LATROBE, Pa. -- Ben Roethlisberger will spend the next six weeks getting a feel for potentially the most explosive offense in the NFL. Still, the Pittsburgh quarterbacks mind couldnt help but wander a bit as he took the field Friday for his 13th training camp.Its why he briefly donned a No. 83 jersey during practice to pay tribute to tight end Heath Miller, who retired in February after more than a decade as Roethlisbergers security blanket. Its why he couldnt contain his optimism about the potential of Millers replacement, Ladarius Green, still recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Its why he didnt bother to mask his disappointment when asked about talented if mercurial wide receiver Martavis Bryants yearlong suspension for violating the NFLs substance-abuse policy.Roethlisberger hasnt spoken to Bryant since the discipline was announced in March. The two-time Super Bowl winner took the news personally, not just as a teammate but as a friend. When Bryant spent time at a treatment facility in Houston last September while serving a four-game suspension for a previous violation of the policy, Roethlisberger reached out to Bryant daily. To watch him run into trouble again hurt.You feel kind of let down, kind of disappointed because its like a little brother that you take under your wing that had all the potential in the world to be one of the best, Roethlisberger said. But thats on the football field. I think off the field you worry about him as a man and as a person. Ive heard hes doing better now. Thats most important.Bryant wont be back until next spring. The wait wont be nearly as long for Green, though theres still no timetable for when the teams big free-agent signee will see the field. Roethlisberger likened the 6-foot-6, 237-pound Green as a Ferrari during organized team activities, albeit one that will remain in the garage for the time being. Green said Friday theres no reason he shouldnt be ready by the start of the regular season on Sept. 12 in Washington, though Roethlisberger is anxious to get the feeling out process started.Ive heard a lot of things and enjoy talking to him, kind of picking his brain on some things, Roethlisberger said. But I would love to get him out here so I hope it happens soon.The one thing that definitely wont happen is the sight of Miller jogging out to the huddle. He stepped away after 11 years, 592 receptions, 45 touchdowns and countless long talks. Though rookie wide receiver Canaan Severin -- who like Miller played collegiately at Virginia -- will wear No. 83 during camp, there is no mistaking Severin with the jerseys previous owner. And to be honest, Roethlisberger would prefer not to see it at all.I dont think anyone should be wearing it right now, he said. But I wanted to wear it today hoping that maybe he would appear out of somewhere and come out and play for a little bit.Roethlisberger will instead have to settle for an offense that may be the best hes had since he broke into the league in 2004. The Steelers finished third in the NFL in yards and fourth in points in 2015 even with Roethlisberger missing four games due to injury. His busy offseason included shedding a few pounds and welcoming a third child along with his wife Ashley. The 34-year-old wore a brace on the left knee -- the one that sustained a bone bruise in a win over St. Louis last September and forced him to miss a month -- Friday as an experiment just to see how it felt.Theres no need to do it but were going to see and make sure it doesnt hinder any movements, he said. If it doesnt bother me. I might wear it as a precaution.Anything to keep Roethlisberger under center and not standing on the sideline in sweats. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Pittsburghs 11-7 run to the divisional round of the playoffs last winter is that the Steelers did it without having Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey and running back LeVeon Bell in the lineup at the same time. Pouncey missed the entire season after getting hurt in an exhibition game against Green Bay and Bell and Roethlisberger played together for about four quarters.The key is always staying healthy, Roethlisberger said. Weve had a hard time doing that the last few years. But if we can stay healthy and be a selfless team I think weve got a chance.---Online:AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Fake NHL Jerseys . On Mar. 16, coming off a "fight of the year" performance at UFC 154 the previous November, St-Pierre faced Nick Diaz at UFC 158 in what would be his eighth defence of the welterweight title. Using his superior athleticism, St-Pierre cruised to a five round, unanimous decision victory setting up a much-anticipated title defence against number one contender Johny Hendricks. Wholesale NHL Jerseys . -- Teemu Selanne scored the first goal of his 22nd NHL season, and the Anaheim Ducks extended the best start in franchise history with their fifth straight victory, 3-2 over the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. https://www.chinanhljerseys.us/ . The 29-year-old from Port Colborne, Ont., has nothing but good things to say about former U.S. marine Liz (Girlrilla) Carmouche ahead of their co-main event Wednesday on the UFCs "Fight for the Troops" televised card in Fort Campbell, Ky. Clearance NHL Jerseys . 8 Kansas to a 64-63 win over Texas Tech on Tuesday night. The freshman from Vaughan, Ont. NHL Jerseys Sale . 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. PARIS -- Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann will meet for another title showdown when Portugal faces France in the European Championship final on Sunday, just six weeks after they contested the Champions League final.Ronaldo was on the winning side with Real Madrid at the continental showpiece in Milan, with the Portugal captain scoring the decisive spot kick in a penalty shootout against Griezmanns Atletico Madrid.This time, Ronaldo could be in for a disappointment.Not only will France have the host nation crowd behind it at the Stade de France, but Griezmann has been on sparkling form with a tournament-leading six goals -- double the tally of Ronaldo, who has toiled and grumbled his way through Portugals stodgy campaign.Were thrilled, we feel like kids, Griezmann said. We know the whole country is behind us, so were giving everything for them.Both goals in Frances semifinal victory over World Cup holder Germany were scored by Griezmann, who managed to convert a penalty to ease the pain of missing one in the Champions League final in May.Hes had a great tournament but we wont just be focusing on him, Portugal midfielder Joao Mario said Friday of Griezmann.If Griezmann can keep up his scoring run and deliver silverware for his nation, the 25-year-old forward would not only collect his first major trophy but potentially become a challenger to Ronaldo for the Ballon DOr.Griezmann, however, only needs to glimpse into Ronaldos early career to see how a host nation can be upstaged in a European Championship final. Ronaldo has waited 12 years, since Portugal lost to Greece at Euro 2004, for another shot at national glory with every major club honor now gathered.Ronaldo has only scored in two of Portugals six games in France, and yet he is only one goal away from scoring a 10th European Championship goal and breaking Michel Platinis 32-year record.But Frances pedigree in finals is far stronger than Portugals, particularly at home where the prize was collected at the 1984 European Championship and 1998 World Cup. The only time France has won silverware away from Paris was Euro 2000, while the sole final loss was on penalties to Italy at the 2006 World Cup.ddddddddddddFrance has won its last 10 games against Portugal, whose last victory over the hosts came in 1975. And Fernando Santos, who began his reign 21 months ago with a loss to France in the Stade de France, has seen his team win only once inside 90 minutes at Euro 2016 -- against Wales in the semifinals.Criticism is part of football, we know thats how things work, Mario said. We dont think about this type of criticisms ... we want to win to make the Portuguese happy and go down in history.That could hinge on whether Pepe recovers from the thigh muscle injury that kept him out of the 2-0 victory over Wales. The central defender trained away from his teammates on Friday morning, only doing ball work with a member of the Portuguese staff.The key decision for Deschamps seems to be whether to restore NGolo Kante to the starting lineup and drop Moussa Sissoko.France has only failed to win one of its games in the tournament, a 0-0 draw with Switzerland in the group stage.Weve grown, midfielder Paul Pogba said. Were more mature.Winning the final would be a cathartic experience for a country still in a state of emergency following a wave of extremist attacks across Paris on Nov. 13 that killed 130 people. The attacks began at the Stade de France where suicide bombers detonated devices after failing to force their way into Frances match against Germany. The sole victim at the stadium was a chauffeur, who was born in PortugalIntense safety measures have in place at the 10 stadiums hosting the tournament and there have been no major security incidents over the last month.The country, though, is still scarred by last years atrocities.We dont have the power to solve peoples problems, France coach Didier Deschamps said, reflecting on the national trauma. But we can generate emotions so they forget their worries. We generate passion and fervor. We can see that.---Rob Harris can be followed at www.twitter.com/RobHarris and www.facebook.com/RobHarrisReports ' ' '

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles have purchased the contract of Jair Jurrjens from Triple-A Norfolk, and the right-hander will start against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Orioles also optioned right-handed reliever Alex Burnett to Norfolk, placed outfielder Nolan Reimould on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain and recalled right-hander Jake Arrieta on Saturday. Jurrjens was signed to a minor league deal in spring training. He went 4-1 with a 3.14 ERA in eight starts for Norfolk. He is 53-37 with a 3.62 ERA in 126 major league games. The Orioles needed an extra arm in the rotation because starters Miguel Gonzalez and Wei-Yin Chen are on the DL. To make room for Jurrjens on the 40-man roster, second baseman Brian Roberts was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. Replica Soccer Jerseys . That gave fans outside Joe Louis Arena another chance to ask for autographs from the 19-year-old whose stardom in the NHL has arrived earlier than most expected. Cheap Soccer Jerseys . 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. https://www.soccerjerseyschina.us/ . -- If this was Aaron Gordons final home game at Arizona, and it almost certainly was, then he went out in style. Stitched Soccer Jerseys . Barcelona also left injured defenders Carles Puyol, Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba out of its squad for the trip to Glasgow. That means that Marc Bartra will probably start again in the centre of the defence alongside Gerard Pique. Wholesale Soccer Jerseys . Following a lopsided 5-2 loss against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, Paul MacLean told reporters that "theres a lack of focus, theres a lack of leadership and theres a lack of preparation" with his struggling team. That came on the heels of Bryan Murray taking the unusual step of going into the locker room at the Prudential Center and addressing the players himself. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- No. 7 Florida State flexed its muscle Saturday, outrebounding UAB 49-20.We rebounded the ball really, really, well, coach Sue Semrau said. When you do that, you give yourself a chance to have some big wins.The Seminoles (10-1) rode their advantage on the boards to a 93-47 victory.Six players pulled down at least five rebounds for Florida State, led by six each from Shakayla Thomas, Ivey Slaughter and Maria Conde.Florida State had a myriad of players step up in the scoring column as well, as Brittany Brown paced the Seminoles with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Thomas (15), Slaughter (15) and Chatrice White (10) also reached double figures.Thats the beauty of our team right now, Semrau said. Theres a lot of depth and a lot of experience.Rachael Childress scored nine points to lead UAB (4-4), who shot just 27.3 percent (6 of 22) in the first half.The first half you saw our team come out and play tentative, they were kind of scared, UAB coach Randy Norton said. But were a young team and this is all a part of the process.Florida State made 16 of 18 free throws.Even with the decisive victory, going on the road to defeat a young, talented UAB team is something that the Seminoles aim to build on.Randy (Norton)s doing a great job with this (UAB) program and building it, and we have a lot of respect for what hes doing. Its so important that were able to play good, solid teams on the road, Semrau said.BIG PICTUREFlorida State: The Seminoles came off a win over No. 23 Florida on Thursday and extended

How many times has the equivalent of the Grand Slam been achieved in the Tri-Nations/Rugby Championship?New Zealand have secured their seventh clean sweep of a tournament which began in 1996. It was a Tri-Nations competition until 2011. When Argentina joined in 2012, the competition was rebranded as the Rugby Championship.The All Blacks had a run of eight straight wins when the Tri-Nations began to register back-to-back Grand Slams in 1996 and 1997. They next won the Grand Slam in 2003 (before exiting the Rugby World Cup against Australia in the semi-finals later that year), and won it again in 2010, by which time each of the Tri-Nations were playing one another three times in a season, making the success the first six-match Grand Slam.Since Argentina joined, New Zealand has won further Grand Slams (also of six matches) in 2012 and 2013.The All Blacks set a new record this Saturday, beating South Africa AND securing a try bonus point. In doing so, they will became the first nation to make a clean sweep of the tournament with maximum-possible points, having achieved bonus-point wins in each of their previous five Rugby Championship wins this season to date.South Africas only Grand Slam in the tournament was in 1998 (four matches) and Australias was in a reduced competition (owing to Rugby World Cup commitments) last year (when each nation played just three matches).Tri-Nations/Rugby Championship Grand Slam winners: New Zealand (Six times) 1996, 1997, 2003, 2010, 2012 and 2013South Africa (Once) 1998Australia (Once) 2015 Stitched USA Soccer Jerseys . Jane Virtanen scored two, and Alex Roach and Elliott Peterson rounded out the offence for the Hitmen (40-15-6). Brady Brassart chipped in with three assists. Colton McCarthy scored twice, Brayden Point had a goal and two assists, and Jack Rodewald also scored for the Warriors (15-35-9), who were 2 for 5 on the power play. USA Soccer Jerseys China . The Masters champion and winner of last weeks Australian PGA has a three-round total of 14-under 199 at Royal Melbourne. "Im in a really good position for tomorrow," Scott said. https://www.cheapusasoccer.com/ . -- Jimmie Johnson held off a teammate, passed a pair of Hall of Famers, and dominated once more at Dover. USA Soccer Store . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. Wholesale USA Soccer Jerseys . The 20-year-old Pelicans big man glanced up and smiled widely at the well-wishers -- a fitting end to a day he wont soon forget. Davis responded to his selection earlier in the day as a Western Conference All-Star with 26 points and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 98-91 on Friday night. IRVING, Texas -- Sarah Thomas was never hit by the pressure of being the first woman to be a full-time NFL game official until after her first season on the job.It wasnt until this past offseason that Thomas pondered what really happened after accomplishing her goal, which was to work full-time at footballs highest level and not necessarily being a trailblazer in doing so.When I first started all this last year, I said I dont feel the pressure of it or anything like that, and I dont feel as if I did during the season, she said. But once I reflected back, I knew that there was a lot of pressure. ... When I reflected back on it, I thought if something major had happened with being a first, not that I recognize myself as that, but just being a first, that it could have gone one of two ways. So Im glad that it was a very smooth, under-the-radar, first year.Thomas is now preparing for her second season as a side judge. While still the only woman on the field in the NFL, she considers it a compliment that there is much less fanfare this time around.Dean Blandino, the NFLs vice president of officiating, agrees and said Thomas had the same bumps as any first-year official.It was obviously big news last year, but she handled everything so well, and she had such a poise and grace about herself, Blandino said this month at the NFLs annual officiating clinic. Its a challenge for any first-year official. For a first-year official to also be the first female official, there were a lot of other challenges that came with that and she handled everything really well, and had a good season.All nine first-time officials from last season are back this season, and there are three rookies among the 124 officials hired for 2016.When Pittsburghs LeVeon Bell scored on a wildcat run as time expired for a victory at San Diego to wrap up Week 5 last season, Thomas was the line judge who signaled the touchdown. Bell initially appeared to be stopped, but pushed forward and reached the ball across the goal line just before his knee hit the ground. AA replay review confirmed the call was right.ddddddddddddImagine the uproar on social media and the general reaction had the NFLs first female official blown that call. Most fans never even realized she was there.We just want to be officials, we want to go unseen, Thomas said in general, and not about that particular play. Youve heard it for years and years and years, and it is the truth. If you dont notice the officials then weve done a great job, and thats what set out to do.NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said during the first NFL Womens Summit in San Francisco, which was part of Super Bowl 50, that Thomas in her first season did a fantastic job, and were very proud of her.Thomas, the mother of three boys, was part of the NFLs officiating development program in 2013 and 2014 and had worked at minicamps, training camps and exhibition games before getting hired full-time last year. She had officiated for Conference USA since 2007, with assignments including bowl game and two league championship games.I never set out to be the first, but when I did speak or I was encouraged with womens groups, its good to hear them ask questions how did you approach it, and for me to be able to say the National Football League had the utmost respect for me as they did any other official, she said.Last March, Thomas hometown of Pascagoula, Mississippi, renamed its recreational gym in honor of the former high school basketball and softball standout who was also given a key to the city.Blandino said there are more women in the development program.Were seeing more women officiating football in general, and I think were going to see them continue to develop, Blandino said. At some point, were going to see another female official in the NFL. ... Women are officiating and thats part of our program, and I think its really moving in the right direction.---Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '

BALTIMORE -- The Army football team and its fans around the world can finally rejoice.No longer will they have to listen to barbs from Navy or lament another missed opportunity in the biggest game of the year.At long last, The Streak is over.Army ended a 14-year run of frustration against the Midshipmen, using an overpowering running game and opportunistic defense to carve out a long overdue 21-17 victory Saturday.With future commander in chief Donald Trump looking on, the Black Knights blew a 14-point lead before quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw scored on a 9-yard run with 6:42 left to give Army the win it had been waiting for since 2001.The Black Knights 14-game losing streak was the longest by either academy in a series that began in 1890. Army (7-5) now trails 60-50-7 in one of the nations historic rivalries.We heard for a long time here at West Point about the streak and all that, Army coach Jeff Monken said. It feels good to be a part of the team that put that to an end.Navy (9-4) was coming off a physical 34-10 loss to Temple in the American Athletic Conference title game and had only one week to prepare for Army with a new quarterback, sophomore Zach Abey, who was making his first college start. Abey took over Will Worth, who broke his foot against Temple.Abey ran for two touchdowns but passed for only 89 yards and was intercepted twice. Navy had four turnovers, three in the first half.I take a lot of responsibility for the game, Abey said. Obviously, in the first half I made some bad decisions. I feel horrible for the seniors.This senior class at Navy has accounted for 37 wins, most ever at the Academy over a four-year period. But theyll never forget this defeat.It hurts a little bit. It hurts a lot a bit, senior receiver Jamir Tillman said. We will take this loss into the offseason and use this as inspiration and run with it.That was a mantra chanted by the Black Knights for the past 14 years. Not anymore.Im just happy for our seniors, Monken said. The sense of pride that theyll have to go on, having beaten Navy, having beaten our biggest rival in their senior year. Its great for everybody in that locker room. I want them to enjoy it.By halftime, Army led 14-0 and owned a 14-1 advantage in first downs.After watching from the Navy side of the field before halftime, Trump visited the TV booth on the Army side in the third quarter. The interview with the president-elect coincided with a big shift in momentum.In the second half we made some adjustments, and those helped us out pretty well, Navy defensive end Amos Mason said.Andy Davidson lost a fumble on the Black Knights first possession of the second half and the Midshipmen recovered at the Army 32. A screen pass for 16 yards set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Abey to get Navy to 14-7.Minutes later, the Midshipmen got a field goal after a replay overturned a lost fumble by Abey at the Army 11.A 41-yard touchdown run by Abey gave Navy the lead with 12:42 remaining. But Army wasnt done.The Black Knights put together a 12-play, 80-yard drive that lasted nearly seven minutes and ended with Bradshaws TD.It was a great feeling, the junior quarterback said. I cant describe it. It just felt amazing. Our team worked really hard for this to happen today.Bradshaw went 2 for 4 for 35 yards and an interception in Armys first win in Baltimore since 1944.Davidson ran for 87 yards and two first-half scores, and Kell Walker carried 16 times for 94 yards.NEVER QUITSome teams might fold after letting a two-touchdown lead vanish. Not Army.When they took the lead 17-14 ... maybe some teams get that look in their eye of doubt, or concern, Monken said. But I think our guys just knuckled down and were determined that they were going to win.FAREWELL VERNEThis was the final football game in the broadcasting career of 76-year-old Verne Lundquist. He was cheered by the crowd during a live shot on the scoreboard.THE TAKEAWAYArmy: The Black Knights appear to be on the upswing under Monken, now in his third season. Theyre headed to a bowl game and have a victory over Navy to celebrate.Navy: The Midshipmen are staggering to the end of the season after a 9-2 start. The loss to Temple was tough to take, but this was much, much worse.UP NEXTArmy: The Black Knights meet North Texas in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, Armys first postseason action since 2010.Navy: The Midshipmen face Louisiana Tech in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 23. It will be Navys 13th bowl appearance in the last 14 years.---More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25 Nike Air Max 270 Womens Sale . -- Yogi Ferrell orchestrates pretty much everything in Indianas offence. Nike Air Max 270 Clearance . Reassurance came from Paul Tesori, his caddie and close friend whose newborn son is in intensive care in a Florida hospital. "Paul sent me a text this morning, just told me he loved me and wanted to go out and fight as hard as I would any other day," Simpson said Sunday after doing just that. http://www.max270cheap.com/ . -- New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis is retiring after a 16-year career to become the goalie coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Nike Air Max 270 React Hyper Jade . Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void. Air Max 270 React Bauhaus AO4971-002 . 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. When Nikki Oppenheimer was 7, she had no idea what the word coed meant when she read it on a sign in her neighborhood park. Until this past summer, the 17-year-old had no clue what the word bola meant, either.Both discoveries were crucial on her road to becoming one of the nations surest shooters and a Division I womens basketball prospect.Ask Oppenheimer, and shell tell you that her Spanish is a work in progress. Its good enough to order some of her favorite dishes -- arroz con pollo, platanos maduros and empanadas -- but not much else.It got a lot better during the summer when the 5-foot-9 guard and Syracuse commit represented Puerto Rico in the FIBA Americas U18 championships in Chile. Averaging 11.6 points per game, Oppenheimer helped lead Puerto Rico to a fourth-place finish and a spot in next years U19 world championships in Italy.It was insanely amazing, Oppenheimer said of playing in such a big international tournament, which was won by the United States. We qualified for worlds, and I was told that was only the second time Puerto Rico has done that.Oppenheimer, a senior at Montini Catholic (Glenview, Illinois), is the daughter of Josh and Adrienne. Josh is an assistant coach with the NBAs Houston Rockets, and Adrienne is a former college volleyball player. It is Adriennes Puerto Rican roots -- her parents were born on the island -- that led to Nikki playing for the national team.Adrienne, who has cooked her daughter hundreds of Hispanic meals during the years, is fluent in Spanish. But thats not the case with Nikki or her older sister, Gabriella. Nikki has learned Spanish through school, but its been hard to teach her at home, said Adrienne, who was born in Los Angeles. Since Josh doesnt speak Spanish, I would feel bad to speak it at home to the girls.Mostly what I taught the girls at home were commands -- sit down, stand up. Nikki knows those, but she never got conversational.Now, Nikki wants to minor in Spanish at Syracuse, and her time with the national team has rekindled her Puerto Rican heritage.During a 10-day training camp in Puerto Rico, which was held before the team left for Chile, Oppenheimer immersed herself in the islands culture.Some of the girls didnt speak English so that was a bit of a struggle, but we got along great, Oppenheimer said. During training camp, I stayed with the family of one of the girls. It was great.On the court, Oppenheimer coped as her bilingual coach would mix the two languages freely during speeches and instructions.They say bola instead of ball, and they said muevete when they wanted me to move, she said. Things like that.Love for basketballAdrienne, who was a 5-10 right-side hitter in volleyball, met Josh during their days at Northern Arizona University. Known for his perimeter shooting, Josh played nine years of pro ball, mostly in Europe and the Middle East. When his playing days ended, he embarked on a career as an assistant coach. When he landed at DePaul, he and his family settled in the Chicago suburb of Glenview.Early on, it was apparent that Gabriella, who is now a triple major at the University of Alabama, studying economics, finance and communications, wasnt interested in playing sports. When the family would go to games, Gabriella loved the dancers and the halftime show. That wasnt the case for her little sister.Even at 3 years old, Adrienne said, Nikki wouldnt take her eyes off the game.Oppenheimer has been playing some form of basketball since she could walk, starting with her Fisher-Price hoop. Josh taught her the correct shooting form, and Nikki took things from there. When she was 7, Nikki noticed a sign at the park across the street that said Free Coed Basketball Clinic.Nikki was old enough to read the sign but not oldd enough to understand the coed part, Adrienne said.dddddddddddd When I explained to her that it meant that boys and girls could play, she immediately wanted to sign up.The next day, Nikki went to the gym with her mom. Sneakers laced up so she would be ready to ball as soon as she walked in, she was disappointed to find no other girls had shown. It was just Oppenheimer playing against all those boys.I was a little nervous and intimidated at first, she said. But once we started playing, I was fine.When she started to think about high school, Oppenheimer opted not to go to Glenbrook South, which was five minutes away from home. One of the reasons the Oppenheimers settled in Glenbrook was because they were impressed with the school district. But Nikki had other ideas. She wanted to go to Montini Catholic -- which is a half-hour away in Lombard, Illinois -- because of its reputation as a basketball powerhouse.Adrienne took Nikki to a few Montini games, sitting behind the bench run by coach Jason Nichols, who has a hard-driving style. When Adrienne asked Nikki, who was in seventh grade at the time, if she could take that type of coaching, the kid didnt flinch.I saw that he was really hard on his players and that he yelled a lot, Nikki said. But I was used to that with my dad. I knew I could take it.Getting yelled at is never the best thing, but I knew the reason behind it. I knew he was trying to get us better. I like that he will keep coaching us even if we are up by a lot. He teaches us to play the right way so we can be prepared for college.A developing starOppenheimer isnt only a basketball player. She has a 4.3 GPA and is interested in becoming a sports agent. She loves to read for fun -- Looking for Alaska by John Green is one of her favorite books. And she loves dogs. She has a feisty 10-pound Maltese/poodle mix that somehow survived getting hit by a car.Oppenheimer has shown similar toughness in her basketball career, battling for time at an elite program such as Montini, which is loaded with college prospects on a yearly basis.As a freshman, Oppenheimer contributed to a team that won a state title. She became a starter last season, and her reputation as a shooter with range out to the NBA 3-point line precedes her everytime she walks on the court.The first thing that came across when I met her was her jumper and her ability to knock down shots and stretch defenses, said Dave Yates, who has coached her for three years in AAU ball with Midwest Elite. Ive seen her miss a couple of shots and still have confidence and then make the next four in a row. Having that type of confidence is rare for kids.Her shot is very pure. Its one of the best shots Ive seen in 10 years coaching girls.Because every team that plays her is aware of her skills, Oppenheimer has become proficient at shot fakes, putting the ball on the floor and hitting a midrange jumper and also coming off screens, Yates said. Nichols, her high school coach, said Oppenheimer has improved at Montini.I really started to see her game evolve last year, Nichols said. She knew how to create her own shot from the moment she walked on campus. But last year she became a more willing passer off the bounce, making the right reads.Her better days are ahead of her. I think by the time she is a sophomore at Syracuse, she will be a big-time contributor.Nikkis father, who is commuting from Houston to Glenbrook as often as possible, said his daughter can be an elite level shooter in college.But he is also proud of her demeanor.Shes the most unselfish player Ive ever seen, Josh said. All she cares about is winning. ' ' '

PITTSBURGH (2-0) at PHILADELPHIA (2-0)Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, CBSOPENING LINE -- Steelers by 5 1/2RECORD VS. SPREAD -Steelers 2-0, Eagles 2-0SERIES RECORD -- Eagles lead 47-28-3LAST MEETING -- Steelers beat Eagles 16-14, Oct. 7, 2012LAST WEEK -Steelers beat Bengals 24-16; Eagles beat Bears 29-14AP PRO32 RANKING -Steelers No. 1, Eagles No. 15STEELERS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (8), RUSH (6), PASS (12).STEELERS DEFENSE -- OVERALL (22), RUSH (2), PASS (31).EAGLES OFFENSE -- OVERALL (21), RUSH (10), PASS (24).EAGLES DEFENSE -- OVERALL (4), RUSH (10), PASS (5).STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES -- Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger leads NFL with six TD passes. Aiming for four in row with at least three TD passes. Hes 31-13 in career vs. NFC with 96.8 QB rating, and is 4-1 in last five against NFC. ... RB DeAngelo Williams leads NFL with 237 yards rushing. Hes oldest player in league history to rush for more than 200 yards in teams first two games. Williams had career-high 101 yards receiving vs. Philadelphia in 2006 while with Carolina. Williams has six TDs rushing in five games vs. NFC with Steelers. ... WR Antonio Brown has 106 catches for 1,481 yards and 13 TDs in past 13 vs. NFC. Since 2013, Brown leads NFL with 387 catches and 5,196 yards receiving. ... TEs Jesse James and Xavier Gamble each had TD catches last week. ... WR Sammie Coates has four catches for 153 yards in two games. ... LB Ryan Shazier leads team with 17 tackles. ... CB William Gay has returned five interceptions for TD since 2013. ... Doug Pederson is first rookie coach to start 2-0 with Eagles since Nick Skorich in 1961. ... Carson Wentz joins Mark Sanchez (2009 Jets), Joe Flacco (2008 Ravens), Ryan Leaf (1998 Chargers) and John Elway (1983 Broncos) as only rookie QBs to win first two games of season since 1970. Wentz is only one to do so with no team turnovers. ...Wentz is 12 for 14 for 102 yards and one TD on two opening drives. ... RB Ryan Mathews has three TDs rushing. ... WR Jordan Matthews aims for fourth straight home game with 100 yards receiving and at least one TD. ... TE Trey Burton had first career TD catch last week. ... Offense is 4 for 4 on fourth down. ... Eagles lead league in average time of possession (37:43) and are one of three teams without giveaway. ... DT Fletcher Cox has 9 1/2 sacks in past eight home games. ... LB Connor Barwin has 7 1/2 sacks in past seven games vs. AFC. ... Fantasy Tip: WR Nelson Agholor probably wasnt drafted in many leagues, but he has eight catches for 99 yards and one TD. He faces NFLs 31st-ranked pass defense.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Nike VaporMax Plus Bleached Aqua Black+Bleached Aqua-Vivid Sulfur . Both players have lower body injuries that will keep them out of the lineup until at least January 31, which is the first game they can be activated from IR. Vapormax 95 Clearance .com) - The Chicago Blackhawks aim for their third three-game winning streak of the season when they host the struggling Edmonton Oilers in Sundays battle at the United Center. http://www.clearancevapormax.com/nike-air-vapormax-flyknit-black-black-anthracite-clearance.html . -- Adam Snyder returned to the San Francisco 49ers this season because the offensive lineman thought it was his best opportunity to win a championship. Cheap Vapormax Plus China . LOUIS -- Mike Smith is used to facing plenty of shots, so this was nothing new. Nike Air Vapormax Navy+Multi-Color . Scott won the Australian PGA last week in his first event in Australia since winning the U.S. Masters in April. American Matt Kuchar, ahead by two strokes with four to play and even with Scott with one to go, double-bogeyed the 18th after taking two shots to get out of a bunker. MOSCOW -- CSKA Moscow coach Leonid Slutsky says Tottenham fans have nothing to fear in Russia despite the violence between English and Russian supporters at the European Championship.About 300 Tottenham fans are expected to attend Tuesdays Champions League game against CSKA, the first visit to Russia by an English club since the clashes in MMarseille in June.ddddddddddddSlutsky, who also coached Russia at Euro 2016, says hes sure that there is no threat to English fans and that they will feel a high level of hospitality in the stadium and the country. ' ' '

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- After watching DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry run through his first-team defense with relative ease during the third exhibition game, Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said he took those struggles personally as a former NFL linebacker who prides himself on having a stout defense.Del Rio wasnt as outwardly concerned Monday after the teams first practice following the preseason game against Tennessee, confident that the problems of players lining up in the wrong spots, staying in their gaps and not trying to do too much will be easily fixed before the games start counting for real on Sept. 11 in New Orleans.You can work on these things, Del Rio said. You get these opportunities during the preseason to tighten these things up. I expect well be ready to roll when the regular season gets here.The Titans had few problems moving the ball on the ground against the Raiders starting defense on Saturday night. Murray ran for 40 yards on eight carries in the first half, scoring one touchdown. He exploited the Raiders a few times with cutbacks into open lanes vacated by overaggressive defenders.Henry, a more bruising rookie running back, also had success with 12 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown.Quarterback Marcus Mariota also managed to beat the Raiders to the outside on an option run as Tennessee had three runs for more than 15 yards in their first 19 offensive plays.We just had a lot of misfits, guys just wanting to do too much rather than just play within the defense, defensive tackle Dan Williams said. Everyone was just trying to shed blocks too fast or jump gaps. DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry did a great job finding holes. When we got out of our gap, they made us pay for it.That comes after the Raiders allowed three long runs in the first half against Arizona in the exhibition opener and struggled to contain Eddie Lacy the following week in Green Bay.After fortifying the defense in the offseason by rebuilding the secondary and adding linebacker Bruce Irvin, the Raiders are counting on having a defense that wont be so easily pushed around.Were very young, Williams said. Were just learning how to play with each other. We have a lot of good pieces. Especially when you have guys from new teams you have to learn a new language.Game notes Del Rio said hes not ready to announce whether Menelik Watson or Austin Howard will start at right tackle. But signs point to Watson winning that role as he has gotten the bulk of playing time with the first-team offense and has drawn praise from Del Rio. ... Del Rio said he also wants to see more of Cory James at first-team middle linebacker this week after James split time there last game with Ben Heeney.---Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Cheap Yeezy 350 v2 Mens .com) - The Chicago Blackhawks aim for their third three-game winning streak of the season when they host the struggling Edmonton Oilers in Sundays battle at the United Center. Yeezy 350 Clay Fake . 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. http://www.yeezys350cheap.com/fake-yeezy-350-zebra-wholesale.html . Cuban testified Thursday that he was upset when the companys CEO told him news that would reduce the value of his shares, for which hed paid $7.5 million. But he said he did nothing improper when he sold those shares over the next two days. Yeezy Boost 350 V3 Replica For Sale .com) - The Calgary Flames aim to bounce back from their first regulation home loss of the campaign on Friday night when they host a Detroit Red Wings club that they swept in three meetings a season ago. Yeezy 350 v2 Zebra 2019 . Only three players drafted by NHL clubs were included on the Czech selection camp roster on Wednesday. Those players were Dallas Stars 2012 first-rounder Radek Faksa, Winnipeg Jets 2013 fourth-rounder Jan Kostalek and Phoenix Coyotes 2012 seventh-rounder Marek Langhamer. BASEBALLCHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs fans waited 71 years to celebrate a return to the World Series.Overjoyed fans streamed out of Wrigley Field and into the streets after the Cubs beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series to earn their first trip to the World Series since 1945.Many people donned Cubbie blue and held W flags. Two people climbed a traffic pole, with one man shimmying all the way to the end. Police said he was later arrested, as were a couple of fans who lit fireworks.A majority of the crowd, however, celebrated the victory peacefully. Many took selfies in front of the stadium and hugged one another. Some also broke out in song, while others shook up beer bottles and sprayed the crowd.Police officers, including about a dozen cops on horseback, kept a close eye on the crowd. And some officers were seen giving high-fives to fans as they walked by.LAS VEGAS -- The Chicago Cubs have opened as heavy favorites to beat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.John Avello, who makes the odds at the Wynn Las Vegas, set the line after the Cubs beat the Dodgers in the clinching Game 6 of the NL Championship Series.Avello says a bettor would have to wager $220 on the Cubs to win $100. A $100 bet on the Indians would pay $190 if they win.Game 1 is Tuesday night in Cleveland.The Cubs, with a healthier rotation than Cleveland, are trying to win their first crown since 1908. The Indians havent won the title since 1948.NEW YORK -- The Chicago Cubs first pennant clincher since 1945 was seen by an average of 9.7 million viewers on Fox Sports 1, the highest total for a League Championship Series in six years.Chicagos 5-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the NLCS was the most-watched LCS game since San Franciscos 3-2 victory over Philadelphia in Game 6 in 2010 (11.6 million), Fox said Sunday. Viewers increased to a peak of 12.2 million for the Cubs game-ending double play.Fox said an average of 110,500 viewers watched digitally on Fox Sports Go and 273,000 more on Fox Deportes Spanish-language coverage. The game had a 25.8 rating and 46 share in Chicago, and a 10.2/23 in Los Angeles. The rating is the percentage of television households tuned to a broadcast and the share is the percentage among homes with TVs on at the time.The NLCS averaged 6.95 million viewers on Fox networks, up 80 percent from last years 3.85 million for Kansas Citys win over Toronto in the ALCS and 56 percent from 4.46 millionn for San Franciscos victory over St.ddddddddddddLouis in the 2014 NLCS.CLEVELAND -- Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis sprained his left ankle during a postgame celebration in the AL playoffs, but is expected to be ready for Game 1 of the World Series.Cleveland manager Terry Francona said Kipnis rolled his ankle last Wednesday when he hugged teammate Francisco Lindor on the field after the final out in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series in TorontoFrancona says he expects Kipnis to be OK for the World Series opener on Tuesday night at home against the Chicago Cubs.Francona described Kipinis injury as a low ankle sprain. Hes confident rest and the adrenaline Kipnis will feel with 37,000 screaming fans in Progressive Field will help him recover.NATIONAL ANTHEM PROTESTSMIAMI -- A woman performing the national anthem before an NBA preseason game in Miami did so while kneeling at midcourt.Denasia Lawrence opened her jacket just before she started to sing, revealing a Black Lives Matter shirt, then dropped to her left knee and performed the song. She said it was her way of protesting racial oppression.Miami Heat officials said they had no advance knowledge of Lawrences plan to protest. Lawrence, a social worker, kept the shirt hidden until her performance.The anthem issue has been a major topic in the sports world in recent months, starting with the decision by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to not stand while it is played. Kaepernick cited racial injustice and police brutality among the reasons for his protest, and athletes from many sports -- and many levels, from youth all the way to professional -- have followed his lead in various ways.PRO HOCKEYNEWARK, N.J. -- The New Jersey Devils have dedicated a statue outside Prudential Arena to longtime goaltender Martin Brodeur.The 44-year-old Brodeur was honored prior to the Devils game against the Minnesota Wild in a ceremony attended by a couple hundred fans on a damp, drizzly night.Brodeur led the Devils to three Stanley Cups and set NHL records for games played (1,266), wins (691) and shutouts (125). The 10-time All-Star won the Vezina Trophy four times during his 21 seasons with the Devils, and the Montreal native was a two-time Olympic gold medalist.The Devils unveiled Brodeurs statue in February when they retired his No. 30 jersey. ' ' '

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay is bracing itself for an invasion of Badgers and Tigers.Fans of Wisconsin and LSU are expected to make this a big weekend at Lambeau Field with their Saturday afternoon game. The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports (http://gbpg.net/2c7e0Va ) that this college opener could be bigger than the Packers 2011 season opener after they won the Super Bowl.LSU fans travel well, and the Press-Gazette reports seven charter flights are scheduled to land Thursday. Thats on top of a parade of fans for both teams arriving by RV, car and bus.Tony Onellion, an LSU season ticket holder from Slidell, Louisiana, says some Tigers fans wont be coming due to catastrophic flooding in the state. But he says many others will be eager for a break.They may be ready to get away for the weekend, he said. Lets just go and get the hell away. Its Labor Day weekend afterward.Some Tigers fans are closer to home. Rachel Johnson lives in De Pere, but most of her family is from Louisiana. She and her husband attended LSU.It will be the first and only time Ill wear purple in Lambeau Field, Johnson said. Im looking forward to just hearing the Louisiana accent again. I figure they are going to be everywhere.Onellion said LSU and Wisconsin fans have a lot in common when it comes to football, including hard-core tailgating.I think they should expect to see themselves with a different, funny accent, Onellion said. Well trade boudain and andouille for kielbasa and cheese and brats. Im bringing two packages of andouille and two packages of crawfish boudain for friends. This is good stuff.---Information from: Press-Gazette Media, http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com---This story has been corrected to reflect the newspaper is the Green Bay Press-Gazette.---Information from: Press-Gazette Media, http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com Cheap Air Max 720 Wholesale . -- When the Florida Panthers fell behind by two goals in the first period to the top team in the NHL, it appeared they were on their way to yet another loss. Nike Air Max Tn Cheap Uk . Jane Virtanen scored two, and Alex Roach and Elliott Peterson rounded out the offence for the Hitmen (40-15-6). Brady Brassart chipped in with three assists. Colton McCarthy scored twice, Brayden Point had a goal and two assists, and Jack Rodewald also scored for the Warriors (15-35-9), who were 2 for 5 on the power play. http://www.fakeairmaxukoutlet.com/best-max-95-trainers-cheap-uk.html . Aduriz headed home Markel Susaetas cross in the sixth minute to open the scoring at San Mames Stadium. He bettered that with a long-range blast that went in off the goal frame in the 18th, and converted a penalty in the 72nd after Diego Mainz was sent off for fouling Aduriz with only the goalkeeper to beat. Air Max 720 Wholesale Uk . Dallas hasnt ruled out the star quarterback for Sunday nights game against Philadelphia, but all signs point to Romos back injury pushing Kyle Orton into the starting role after two years of limited play as the backup. Surely Ortons name isnt the first that comes to mind for fans wanting a change after years of damaging interceptions, fumbles or, most infamously, the field goal flub when Romo dropped the snap on a kick that could have won his first playoff game in 2006. Cheap Air Max 97 Uk . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida is making a strong push to catch up in the facilities race of college athletics.A little more than a year after finishing a $17 million indoor practice field and with a $65 million renovation to its on-campus arena nearing completion, the Gators announced concepts for the next phase of upgrades Friday.The $100 million master plan includes a stand-alone football facility and significant improvements to outdated baseball and softball stadiums.Theres a lot of momentum building in our program on different levels, said Jeremy Foley, who is retiring Oct. 1 after 25 years as Floridas athletic director. And I think these things are going to keep us moving forward.Foley and his staff shared the concepts with the University Athletic Association board Friday afternoon and then released them publicly. The school still has to raise the $100 million, which Foley expects will come from private donations, bonds and borrowed cash. The Gators, who already have $91 million in debt carried, anticipate having blueprints and a timeframe for breaking ground this fall.Florida currently houses football meeting rooms and coaches offices inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Its cramped quarters, and the weight room is shared with student-athletes from other sports.The stand-alone facility would give the football program its own space, an estimated 100,000 square feet located between the teams practice fields and the basketball practice facility. It will have offices, a training room, a weight room, a players lounge, a recruiting lounge and other amenities. Second-year coach Jim McElwain has been outspoken about the need to upgrade Floridas facilities.It will be everything that we need, that Mac has envisioned, Foley said. Obviously, he has been talking about facilities because those are important to him. Part of our job as athletic directors and administrators is to listen to our coaches. You cant always do everything you want right away. You cant always do what they want all the time because of financial constraints.But at the University of Florida, when that football coach has a vision he wants to convey to you, were going to do it.Other parts of the plan include:- McKethan Stadium, where the baseball team practices and plays, would get about 400 club seats covered by a roof structure, field-level seating behind home plate, expanded dugouts and a renovated press box.dddddddddddd The team also would get a players lounge and enhanced locker rooms.- Pressly Stadium, where the softball team practices and plays, would expand seating from 1,200 to about 2,500, add shaded structures over seats behind home plate and along the first- and third-base lines, create additional restrooms and concession spaces, and add offices, locker rooms and meeting rooms.- A new dining hall would be built for all student-athletes.- Current football offices would be converted into administrative offices, and the current weight room and training room would be renovated for use by all student-athletes.One of the things we did when we did our facility assessment is to look at what we current had, what our needs were, what are peer institutions had and then determine, `OK, where do we need it and where is the best place to do it? said Chip Howard, Floridas executive associate AD for internal affairs.It had become obvious that Floridas facilities were not on par with some of the biggest spenders in the Southeastern Conference and other high-profile programs around the country.But if these concepts become reality the Gators will have committed $207 million to facility upgrades since January 2015. That includes the master plan projects, the indoor practice facility, the ODome renovation and the Hawkins Center, a $25 million academic center for student-athletes.Foley is quick to point out that the Gators won two national titles in football (2006, 2008), back-to-back national championships in basketball (2006-07), advanced to the College World Series five times in the last nine years and won consecutive softball titles (2014-15) without the plushest amenities.Facilities are just part of the conversation, Foley said. Our facilities have not kept us from being successful. ... Obviously these things are going to help us recruit, help us be successful. At the end of the day, its going to go back to what it always does: coaching, recruiting. These facilities will enhance that, but its not the end-all, be-all.If you have good coaches, youre going to get good athletes, and weve shown that time and time again around here.---AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org ' ' '

New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo announced on Tuesday he is retiring after eight seasons in the NFL. Mayo, who turns 30 next week, spent his entire career in New England but was not expected to be retained by the team due to his large contract and a signing bonus due next month. Mayo, writing on his Instagram account, said he and his wife were grateful for their time with the Patriots.After a lot of thought Chantel and I take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for what we consider a life changing event ... that of becoming a New England Patriot for the past eight years, wrote Mayo.Be sure that the Pats memories will always hold a special place in our hearts. Mayo has struggled with injuries in recent seasons New England drafted Mayo in 2008 and he won the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award that season.He made two Pro Bowls but battled injuries the last few seasons and was sidelined when the Patriots captured the Super Bowl in 2015. Mayo has been surpassed on the depth chart for the Patriots by Jamie Collins and Donta Hightower.With Mayo due to have a cap number of $11.4m next season - the second highest on the team behind Tom Brady - he was likely to have been cut by New England, who otherwise would have had to pay him a $4m roster bonus on March 9.The Patriots clear $7m in cap space with Mayo off the books. Also See: NFL Video Rookies guide NFL on Sky Sports Pundits Fake Yeezy China . -- For the first time in two months, an opponent was standing up to Alabama. Fake Yeezy Online . The All-Pro lineman got the leg bent under him while trying to make a tackle during the first half of a 22-20 overtime loss at Miami on Thursday night. The medical staff initially thought hed torn the ligament, and the test a day later in Cincinnati confirmed it. https://www.yeezychina.us/ . He said Tuesday thats a big reason why he is now the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Whisenhunt said he hit it off quickly with Ruston Webster when interviewing for the job Friday night. Wholesale Yeezy China . Duchene scored two goals and had an assist, helping the Colorado Avalanche beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 on Friday night to match the best 10-game start in team history. Yeezy China . The move comes after the Canadiens were approached by the Buffalo Sabres for permission to speak to Dudley - a former Sabres player and head coach. "The Sabres called for permission and I appreciate that, Im flattered, Dudley told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN. ' ' '

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika believes his players are in the right frame of mind to tackle what looms as one of the biggest challenges theyll ever face in rugby.Cheikas Wallabies face the rampant world champion All Blacks in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington on Saturday night.On the back of last weeks demoralising 42-8 defeat in Sydney, the Wallabies have been shunned by bookmakers, savaged by their critics and are considered next to no chance of victory, needing to break a 15-year losing run in New Zealand to keep the series alive.But within the four walls of Camp Wallaby, Cheika insists the belief is still there.Its going to be difficult to come back, he said.Weve broken it down this week and had a look at each person and what he can do to make a difference this weekend and feel like were in a pretty good space there, so well see how we go.The Wallabies will cop a sixth consecutive Test defeat if they cant produce some sort of miracle in front of a sold-out Westpac Stadium crowd.All Blacks skipper Kieran Read said theyd be fools to expect another limp performance from the Australians.We certainly love playing for the Bledisloe Cup. We know its a big Test, every time we play against Australia we say it, its never an easy game, he said.We know weve got to prepare accordingly, otherwise shes one hell of a night and you normally dont come out on the right side of it.Cheika has made several changes to his side, recalling Quade Cooper after a year out of international rugby and also throwing rookie Adam Coleman in for a start next to Kane Douglas in the second row.Lingering wind and rain could make life even tougher for the Wallabies on Saturday night, particularly given Cooper and new inside centre Bernard Foley are expected to kick for territory more often.Australias kickers and catchers had a brief run at Westpac Stadium on Friday and Cheika believes they are primed to handle whatever conditions are thrown their way.The boys would have worked on that with Mick (Byrne) and Stephen (Larkham), they would have talked to the kickers about that, Cheika said. Stitched NBA Jerseys . 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Where there is smoke, there is or perhaps has been a little fire. Or, in other words, the two teams would appear to have at least spoken. And spoken is defined as one calling the other to inquire, no more, no less. NBA Jerseys Store . Francis told several hundred members of the European Olympic Committees that when sport "is considered only in economic terms and consequently for victory at every cost . TAMPA BAY (1-3) at CAROLINA (1-3)Monday, 8:30 p.m. EDT, ESPNOPENING LINE -- OFFRECORD VS. SPREAD -- Tampa Bay 1-3, Carolina 1-3SERIES RECORD -- Panthers lead series 20-11LAST MEETING -Panthers beat Buccaneers 38-10, Jan. 3, 2016LAST WEEK -- Buccaneers lost to Broncos 27-7; Panthers lost to Falcons 48-33AP PRO32 RANKING -- Buccaneers No. 24, Panthers No. 16BUCCANEERS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (22), RUSH (25), PASS (14).BUCCANEERS DEFENSE -- OVERALL (25), RUSH (27), PASS (15).PANTHERS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (4), RUSH (8), PASS (10).PANTHERS DEFENSE -- OVERALL (25), RUSH (12), PASS (15).STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES -QB Jameis Winston has nine turnovers in last three games. Buccaneers have minus-9 turnover margin. ... Bucs converting just 38.9 percent of third downs. ... RB Charles Sims had 99 yards from scrimmage in last meeting. ... WR Mike Evans ranks in top 10 in NFL in receptions, yards receiving and TD catches. ... WR Vincent Jackson had 10 receptions for 147 yards and TD in his last game vs. Carolina last October. ... TE Cameron Brate has two TD receptions in last two games. ... Buccaneers defense allowing 32 points per game. ... Gerald McCoy (calf strain) leads all DTs with 28 sacks since 2012, but status uncertain. ... LB Lavonte David had 12 tackles, one sack and forced fumble in last meeting with Carolina. ... Panthers QB Derek Anderson will start if Cam Newton (concussion) cant play. Anderson is 2-0 as starter foor Carolina since 2011, with both wins against Tampa Bay.dddddddddddd .. Newton had two TDs rushing and two TDs passing in last meeting with Bucs. ... LT Michael Oher (concussion) may miss second straight game. ... Carolina offensive line has surrendered 13 sacks. ... Panthers streak of 35 straight games with at least 100 yards rushing snapped last week by Atlanta. ... RB Cameron Artis-Payne expected to start for Carolina if Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) cant play. ... RB Fozzy Whittaker had nine receptions for 86 yards vs. Atlanta. ... WR Kelvin Benjamin has just three catches for 39 yards and one TD in last two games. Benjamin had 14 receptions for 196 yards receiving and two TDs in his last two games vs. Tampa Bay, both in 2014. ... WR Devin Funchess had seven catches for 120 yards and touchdown in last meeting. ... Panthers have allowed 29.5 points per game this season. ... Panthers starting DEs Kony Ealy and Charles Johnson have no sacks. Johnson leads team with six quarterback pressures. ... Since entering NFL in 2012, LB Luke Kuechly leads NFL with 637 tackles. Fantasy Tip: TE Greg Olsen is Andersons favorite target. Olsen caught TD pass from Anderson last week and leads team in receptions and yards receiving.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '

NEW YORK -- Kristaps Porzingis had 31 points and nine rebounds, Derrick Rose scored six of his 18 points down the stretch, and the New York Knicks beat the Portland Trail Blazers 107-103 on Tuesday night.Rose made the go-ahead basket with a little more than 3 minutes remaining and hit the jumper that clinched it with 6.8 seconds left.Carmelo Anthony finished with 17 points despite a scoreless fourth quarter for the Knicks, who won their fifth straight at home. Brandon Jennings had 11 assists off the bench.Damian Lillard scored 22 points for the Trail Blazers but fell to 4-1 at Madison Square Garden. CJ McCollum added 16 points.NUGGETS 110, BULLS 107DENVER -- Rookie Jamal Murray scored a season-high 24 points, Will Barton hit two free throws with 9.5 seconds left and the Nuggets beat the Bulls.It was Denvers 10th straight home win over the Bulls and its 16th in the last 17 meetings at Pepsi Center.Butler had 35 points and eight rebounds for Chicago, which last won in Denver on Feb. 8, 2006. Dwyane Wade had 22 points after sitting out Sundays game against the Lakers.The Nuggets used a 22-0 run at the start of the second quarter to take a 41-31 lead. Murray had 15 of his 17 first half points in the period and Wilson Chandler scored 12 of his 16 in the second quarter.The game was tied when Barton was fouled on a drive to the basket, and he hit two free throws left to give Denver a 109-107 lead. Isaiah Cannon shot an airball on a 3-point attempt and the Nuggets got the ball.PELICANS 112, HAWKS 94ATLANTA -- Tim Frazier had 21 points and 14 assists, Terrence Jones added 17 points and the Pelicans won their third straight game with a victory over the Hawks.Pelicans forward Anthony Davis returned to begin the fourth quarter after bruising his right knee and missing the second and third periods. Davis, a three-time All-Star and the NBAs leading scorer, finished with 13 points.New Orleans led by 20 at the end of the first quarter and never let up.Dennis Schroder and Kyle Korver each scored 14 for the Hawks, who have lost three in a row. Atlanta was tied for the Eastern Conference lead last week but now begins a five-game road trip playing its worst basketball of the young season.The Pelicans have won five of seven and are 3-0 since Jrue Holiday returned after missing the first 12 games to be with his sick wife. Custom Cincinnati Reds Nike Jerseys .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Custom Boston Red Sox Nike Jerseys . -- Charlie Graham stopped 67 shots as the Belleville Bulls edged the visiting Guelph Storm 6-5 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. https://www.custombaseballnikejerseys.com/?tag=custom-new-york-mets-nike-jerseys . -- Derrick Rose shook off poor shooting early to hit clutch shots late and Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 104-95 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Custom Milwaukee Brewers Nike Jerseys . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. Cheap Custom Baseball Jerseys . The 20-year-old Pelicans big man glanced up and smiled widely at the well-wishers -- a fitting end to a day he wont soon forget. Davis responded to his selection earlier in the day as a Western Conference All-Star with 26 points and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 98-91 on Friday night. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The banged-up Baltimore Ravens are limping into their bye week, while the New York Jets quarterback situation is still in flux.Both teams came out of a 24-16 victory by the Jets on Sunday with questions and health concerns.Joe Flacco started for Baltimore after being questionable with a sore shoulder , but threw two interceptions after setting a team record with 176 passes in a row without one.The fact we have a bye week this week, hopefully I can get over it, Flacco said.Flacco isnt the only one. The Ravens (3-4) have lost four straight and have a lengthy list of injured players who need a chance to heal before Baltimore plays again Nov. 6 at home against division-rival Pittsburgh.Linebackers Terrell Suggs (biceps), Elvis Dumervil (foot), C.J. Mosley (thigh), wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. (ankle), cornerback Shareece Wright (thigh), guard Marshal Yanda (shoulder) and left tackle Ronnie Stanley (foot) all sat out against the Jets.Safety Lardarius Webb left the game with a right hamstring injury, and rookie cornerback Tavon Young was evaluated for a concussion.Thats just another question thats impossible to answer because you cant put a measuring stick on how hurtful it is, but its not ideal, coach John Harbaugh said. We also had to make some roster moves just to get 46 guys active. But thats the way it works in our league. Thats the cards that weve been dealt.Meanwhile, the Jets (2-5) ended a four-game losing streak with Geno Smith starting and then getting hurt and being replaced by former starter Ryan Fitzpatrick.Smith injured his right knee while taking a sack from Baltimores Matthew Judon in the second quarter and was scheduled to have an MRI to determine the severity and if he needs to be sidelined.I dont feel like it hurts a ton, said Smith, who spent the second half on the sideline wearing sweats. Honestly, I was begging to go back out there, but I understand theyre doing their jobs.Fitzpatrick had thrown an NFL-leading 11 interceptions through the first six games before Todd Bowles benched him in favor of Smith during the week.Its too early to tell, Bowles said of who his QB will be next week at Cleveland. I want to see what the injury status is before I make that determination.Bowles was also awaiting updates on Jets center Nick Mangold (knee) and linebacker Bruce Carter (quadriceps).Here are some other things to know from the Jets skid-stopping victory over the Ravens:BIG-PLAY DEFENSEThe Jets came in ranked tied for 31st in the NFL with just four takeaways .ddddddddddddAgainst the Ravens, the defense came up big.Flacco went a team-record 176 consecutive throws without an interception before Buster Skrine picked off his pass in the third quarter and returned it 51 yards to the Ravens 3 to set up a field goal by Nick Folk.The defense made it two possessions in a row with a takeaway as Marcus Gilchrist picked off Flacco and returned it 27 yards to the Ravens 24, setting up a 1-yard TD run by Matt Forte.We were one of the top defenses in the league last year, cornerback Darrelle Revis said. Once one (turnover) comes, they start coming in bunches. Thats what happened today.STILL IN THE CHASEEven a four-game losing streak hasnt knocked Baltimore out of contention in the AFC North. The Ravens havent played Pittsburgh or Cincinnati yet this season, so thats four chances to improve their situation in the division.The biggest thing, we are not too far from the other teams in our conference and division, defensive tackle Brandon Williams said.FORTE FLASHESAfter being held to 164 yards rushing and no TDs in the last four games, Forte busted out with a vintage performance.He finished with 100 yards and a score on 30 carries and four catches for 54 yards and a TD. He also joined Marshall Faulk, Marcus Allen, Thurman Thomas and Herschel Walker as the only players with 8,000 yards rushing, 4,000 yards receiving and 20 TD receptions.RUNNING ON EMPTYA week after New York gave up 171 yards rushing, including 111 to Arizonas David Johnson last Monday night, Baltimore found nowhere to run against the Jets.Terrance West, who came in having rushed for 295 yards in his last three games, finished with 10 yards on eight carries as the Jets set a franchise mark by holding Baltimore to 6 yards on the ground.CANT FINISHBaltimore took an early lead for the third straight game and couldnt finish off an opponent.The Ravens led the Jets 10-0 in the first quarter of this one. They had the same lead against the Giants last week , and led Washington 10-6 two weeks ago.Killer instinct is executing when you get ahead, putting people away and making plays, taking advantage of the fact theyre down, Harbaugh said. Whatever killer instinct translates to, we certainly dont have it now.---AP Freelance Writer Mike Farrell contributed to this report.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '

Rejuvenated striker Mario Balotelli took his league tally to eight goals in eight games as French leader Nice beat struggling Dijon 2-1 on Sunday to move four points ahead of Monaco and seven clear of defending champion Paris Saint-Germain.Regardless of what happens in the upcoming midweek games, Nice is guaranteed to head into the winter break in first place.Monaco could have closed the gap to one point, but it was reduced to 10 men in the first half and lost 3-1 at home to a rapidly improving Lyon on Sunday night.Lyon is now up to fourth place, five points behind PSG and with a game in hand.Monaco was under pressure after left back Benjamin Mendy was sent off in the 39th minute -- 10 minutes after Algeria midfielder Rachid Ghezzal had given Lyon the lead.Lyon winger Mathieu Valbuena is getting back to his best as he chases a France recall, having being left out of the European Championship squad this summer, and scored for the fifth time in the past six games to make it 2-0 in the 65th.Monaco rallied thanks to midfielder Tiemoue Bakayokos strike five minutes later, his teams 54th goal in just 18 league games. But Lyons top scorer, Alexandre Lacazette, wrapped up the win late on with his 12th league goal in just 13 games. In the previous two league campaigns, the prolific forward -- rated at around 45 million euros ($47 million) -- scored 48 in 67 games.PSG had lost 2-1 at Guingamp on Saturday for its fourth league defeat of the season and still has to play at Nice in the second part of the campaign.Nice has lost only once this season under Lucien Favre in his first season in charge.The Swiss coach should also take credit for helping to relaunch Balotellis career when many observers had written him off.Balotelli scored from a penalty kick in the 32nd minute and, after Julio Tavares equalized from the spot shortly after, pounced five minutes after halftime for the winner.The Italian forward joined in the summer as a free signing from English Premier League side Liverpool, and is reviving a chaotic career where he has often stood out for controversial incidents on and off the field.His unhappy time at Liverpool came to end when the English club sent him on loan last season to AC Milan -- his former club -- but he only managed one goal in 20 league games for the Italian side.The season before that, Balotelli had scored only one league goal for Liverpool in 16 games.But now, despite an occasional absence through minor injuries, he is a key part of Favres plans.Balotelli struck his penalty low to the left, with goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet guessing the right way, and then turned in defender Arnaud Souquets cross from the right.---MARSEILLE 2, LILLE 0Coach Rudi Garcias methods seem to finally be working as Marseille won for the third league game in a row to climb up to sixth place.Striker Bafetimbi Gomis opened the scoring in the 56th minute and winger Florian Thauvin added the other four minutes later.They have been Marseilles most consistent players this season and have 14 league goals between them: nine for Gomis and five for Thauvin.Garcia took charge in late October, replacing Franck Passi, but won only two of his first seven games in all competitions.---CAEN 3, METZ 0Croatian striker Ivan Santini scored his eighth league goal of the season as Normandy side Caen moved two points away from the relegation zone.Caen took the lead through 18-year-old striker Yann Karamoh in the 20th minute.Santini netted in the 61st before substitute forward Pape Sane sealed the win in injury time.Caen is in 16th place, while Dijon is 18th. New England Patriots Pro Shop . John Tavares, Thomas Vanek and Kyle Okposo were also being counted on to slow down sizzling Rangers forward Rick Nash. That plan didnt go so well early. Stitched Patriots Jerseys . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. https://www.patriotsjerseysale.com/ . If ever they start actually putting pictures beside words in the dictionary, the Blue Jays left-handers mug will appear beside “Consistency. Fake Patriots Jerseys . 10 Texas A&Ms offence dominated as usual against SMU. Cheap Patriots Jerseys . 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.Renault have unveiled their definitive colour scheme for the 2016 season bringing yellow back to the grid. The returning French constructor ran in an interim black and yellow livery during winter testing but had promised a new look in time for this weekends season-opening race in Australia. The team revealed their final colours in Melbourne on Wednesday with the RS16 to now run in traditional Renault yellow a black trim. After completing their takeover of the Lotus team in December, Renault have played down expectations for their first season back as a constructor with work on the 2016 car having started late. The new RS16 ran into some early reliability problems in winter testing but racked up the mileage thereafter with new signing Kevin Magnussen describing it as a driver-friendly car. Chief technical officer Bob Bell hopes they can begin the season in the points this weekend.We were pleasantly surprised, Bell said about Renaults pre-season. Although we are down on aero and power, the car is nicely balanced, consistent and good to develop. British driver Jolyon Palmer says hes hopeful Renault will finish in the points at this weekends Australian Grand Prix We didnt need to chase a lot of time finding the balance so theres a lot confidence we can get up to speed relatively quickly.dddddddddddd If we can sneak into the top 10 in Melbourne, well be pleased with that. The first race of the 2016 F1 season, the Australian GP, is exclusively live on Sky Sports F1. The race in Melbourne starts at 5am on Sunday March 20. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract on NOW TV. Also See: The Australian GP preview Get Sky F1: Every race live ' ' '

MONTREAL -- Mark Webber of Red Bull posted the quickest lap in an abbreviated and wet final practice session Saturday at the Canadian Grand Prix. Webbers best lap at 4.361-kilometre Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was one minute 17.895 seconds. Adrian Sutil of Force India was second fastest at 1:18.248, followed by defending race champion Lewis Hamiltons Mercedes at 1:18.732. Ferraris Fernando Alonso was next in 1:18.977, Formula One leader Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull was fifth in 1:19.131 and Nico Rosberg of Mercedes was sixth in 1:19.457. The scheduled one-hour session was reduced to 30 minutes so a barrier along the track could be repaired after a crash during a support race. That ate up some valuable information-gathering time for the 11 teams ahead of the early-afternoon qualifying session. Most of the top drivers waited until the final five minutes to go onto the track. Rosberg, a wire-to-wire winner at Monaco two weeks ago, will be seeking a fourth straight pole position. The track was wet from overnight rain and a few drops were still falling as the cars went out. Warmer weather with a only a small chance of rain is forecast for the race on Sunday. Race stewards announced that Webber and Valtteri Bottas of Williams were reprimanded for ignoring a yellow flag during practice on Friday. The flag went up after Pastor Maldonado crashed his Williams. Adidas NMD Womens Sale . -- Whether Jeremy Hill deserves a prominent role in LSUs offence this early in the season is a matter for debate. Adidas NMD Pharrell Williams Human Race Yellow . 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.cheapnmdonline.com/wholesale-adidas-nmd-human-race-china.html . The Canadian squad, skipped by Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg, got on the board first with two in the second end, and followed that with two more apiece in the fourth and sixth ends. Adidas NMD R1 Womens Raw Pink . 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. Adidas NMD R1 Triple Black . Philadelphia is 2-0 against the Senators this season and scored five goals in each victory. The Flyers recorded a 5-0 win in Ottawa on Nov. 12 and then earned a 5-2 home decision on Nov. 19. The Flyers have claimed three straight and four of the last five encounters with the Sens overall and Philly has won two in a row and three of its past four tests in Canadas capital city. Outfielder Matt Joyce will play for his fourth team in four years next season, agreeing to a two-year deal with the?Oakland Athletics.Sources told ESPNs Buster Olney that he will receive $11 million over the course of the contract. The agreement was first reported by Fox Sports.Joyce played in 140 games for the Pirates last season, batting .242 with 13 homers and 42 RBIs in 293 plate appearances.?The 32-year-old played for the Los Angeles Angels in 2015 after he was traded there by the Tampa Bay Rays. His best seasons came with Tampa where he played for six years. He earned his only All-Star honor in 2011 when he had career highs in batting average (.277), homers (19), RBIs (75) and steals (13).Oakland deallt right fielder Josh Reddick to the Dodgers at the trade deadline and then sent Coco Crisp back to his former Cleveland club.ddddddddddddAt 69-83, the As responded from losing 10 of 11 to win their final two games at Seattle and finish with one more victory than a year ago. But they finished in fifth place and at the bottom of the AL West for the second straight season -- another year of injuries and big-name departures.The As also announced that they designated minor league utility man?Rangel Ravelo for assignment.Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. ' ' '

SEATTLE -- Riding the longest win streak in baseball that put them back into the playoff conversation, the Seattle Mariners return home was a collective dud.Worst of all may have been seeing Felix Hernandez stumble in his biggest start of the season.We are playing really good ball and to come in here and kind of throw a clunker out there, not exactly what we were looking for tonight, but it does happen, Seattle manager Scott Servais said.Collin McHugh allowed just two hits in seven stellar innings and Hernandez failed to make it through the fifth as the Houston Astros ended Seattles eight-game win streak with a 6-0 win on Friday night.Seattle dropped to three games behind Baltimore and Toronto in the AL wild-card race after McHugh baffled the Mariners all night. He didnt allow a base runner until Nori Aokis leadoff single in the fourth inning and Seattles only other hit off McHugh was Kyle Seagers single with two outs in the seventh.McHugh (11-10) improved to 9-3 in his career against Seattle and 4-0 this season with a 1.08 ERA. McHugh is 6-0 in his career at Safeco Field.We just dont see the ball well off of him, Servais said. We knew going into the game tonight was going to be a challenge for us, but he was certainly on top of his game.Meanwhile, Hernandez (11-6) stumbled in his biggest start of the season. With the Mariners back in contention, Hernandez failed to get through five innings, giving up five earned runs and eight hits.For Seattle fans it was a similarly disappointing outing by Hernandez to the 2014 season when Seattle was in the wild-card race but lasted only 4 2/3 innings in a 10-2 loss at Toronto in the final week of the season. Fortunately these Mariners still have 15 games remaining.Disappointing. Its a poor performance by me, Hernandez said. You know what, tomorrow is another day. Weve just got to keep fighting.Solo homers by Evan Gattis and Marwin Gonzalez in the fifth were the capper to Hernandezs miserable night. Gattis led off the inning with his 27th home run and Gonzalez followed with his 13th that knocked Hernandez from the game. Gonzalez now has 37 career home runs, 11 of those against Seattle.Hernandez was in trouble long before the two home runs. Jake Marisnicks two-run double in the second inning gave Houston the lead and the Astros added on with Carlos Correas RBI double in the third after Jose Altuve reached on an error and Yuli Gurriel added an RBI single in the fourth.I missed a lot of spots today, Hernandez said. I was pretty much in the middle of the plate. Ball was moving all over the place, I got behind a lot and they got me.Houston manager A.J. Hinch praised the patience of his hitters not expanding the strike zone against Hernandez and making him throw strikes.We didnt chase a lot tonight and if you dont chase with him and you make him bring the ball in the strike zone hes human again, Hinch said.SHUT DOWNSeattle was shutout for just the second time since July 24 and sixth time this season. Five of those have come at Safeco Field. The Mariners also had their streak of 14 straight games with a home run snapped.The three hits were the fewest for the Mariners since a 10-1 loss at Pittsburgh on July 27.TRAINERS ROOMAstros: 3B Alex Bregman could miss the rest of the regular season with a hamstring injury suffered on Wednesday. Bregman did not travel with the team for its road trip and remained in Houston to get treatment.Mariners: Even after a day off, 1B Adam Lind still had some pain around his thumb and was out of the lineup for a fourth straight game. Servais was hopeful Lind would be available on Saturday.UP NEXTAstros: RHP Mike Fiers (10-7) makes his 28th start of the season. Fiers lasted just 3 1/3 innings in his only other start against Seattle this season, giving up four earned runs.Mariners: LHP James Paxton (4-6) will make his fifth start since coming off the disabled list on Aug. 25 but does not have a win since Aug. 7. Cheap Air Max 90 Essential China . It was the kind of score that might make everyone else wonder which course he was playing. Except that Graeme McDowell saw the whole thing. Crouched behind the 10th green at Sheshan International, McDowell looked over at the powerful American and said, "Ive probably seen 18 of the best drives Ive seen all year in the last two days. Air Max 90 China Wholesale . Supported by three-run homers from Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos, the young right-hander went seven strong innings in the Washington Nationals 8-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. http://www.outletairmax90cheap.com/outlet-air-max-90-ultra-cheap.html . On Mar. 16, coming off a "fight of the year" performance at UFC 154 the previous November, St-Pierre faced Nick Diaz at UFC 158 in what would be his eighth defence of the welterweight title. Using his superior athleticism, St-Pierre cruised to a five round, unanimous decision victory setting up a much-anticipated title defence against number one contender Johny Hendricks. Air Max 90 Clearance . The team said Saturday that Lopez was hurt during its 121-120 overtime loss at Philadelphia on Friday. The Nets said they would issue another update next week after consultation with their doctors. Fake Air Max 90 For Sale . The Redskins announced Monday that the quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl championship in the 1987 season will serve as a personnel executive.As Barcelona look to fend off the challenge of Real Madrid this weekend to claim a 24th La Liga crown, we look back at past last-day drama. Barca, a point ahead of Real in the standings, go to Granada at 4pm on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 4 HD with coverage starting at 3.30pm, while Real Madrid are at Deportivo, coverage starting at 3.55pm, on Sky Sports 3 HD.With the head-to-head record separating sides rather than goal difference, Barcas superior record over Real this season (5-2 on aggregate) means Zinedine Zidanes side must win and hope Barca draw or lose to take the title. La Liga final day on Sky Sky Sports will bring you the final day live as Real Madrid and Barcelona battle it out. Sounds simple enough? Nothing is set in stone, and these examples prove it...1991/92 - Cruyffs first titleUnder the stewardship of Johan Cruyff, Barca were looking to defend La Liga for the first time following years of Real Madrid dominance.Going into the final game of the season, the Catalans needed a win against Athletic Bilbao and hope that Real lost against Tenerife, but when the islanders fell 2-0 down, it looked all over. Johan Cruyffs second title as Barcelona manager came in dramatic fashion However, a stunning Tenerife comeback, sealed by Pier Luigi Cherubinos stunning long-range winner for 3-2, was paired with Barcas 2-0 win over Athletic to hand advantage to Cruyff and co.It was one of the most dramatic finales to a European season, and Barcelona went on to win another two titles in 1993 and 1994.1993/94 - The missed penaltyCruyffs fourth straight La Liga title in charge of Barcelona also went down to the wire; Barca needed to chase down Deportivo, who knew a win at home against Valencia would send it their way.Barcelona hosted Sevilla at the Nou Camp, and despite falling behind twice to goals from none other than Diego Simeone and Davor Suker, they eventually did their bit by winning 5-2.Depors clash was 0-0 going into the final minute, meaning the title was heading to Barcelona on a head-to-head record, but when Valencias second goalkeeper Jose Gonzalez fouled Nando in the box, it loooked like heartbreak for Cruyff and his side.dddddddddddd VOTE: Goal of the season Watch 12 of the top strikes here and vote for your favourite... But big Serbian defender Miroslav Djukic rolled his spot-kick into the hands of Gonzalez, cue pandemonium back at the Nou Camp. 2006/07 - Beckhams title at lastDespite being ahead for the majority of the campaign, Barcelona were to surrender their lead in the final two weeks of the season to rivals Real Madrid, giving David Beckham his much-coveted La Liga crown.Barca drew 2-2 with Espanyol on the penultimate weekend, meaning Real just had to beat Mallorca on the final day to clinch the title on head-to-head superiority. David Beckham won his only La Liga title in 2007 They went 1-0 down early on at the Bernabeu, and thats how it stayed until the 68th minute before Jose Anotnio Reyes equaliser.Mahamadou Diarra put Real ahead and Reyes added another with eight minutes remaining to send the title to the capital.2013/14 - Atletico stun the Nou CampAtletico fell at the weekend in Levante to make it a two-horse race, but the memory of their 2014 title win lives long in the memory. Diego Simeone celebrates Atleticos title win in 2014 For the first time since 1951, the title came down to a head-to-head match between Atletico and Barcelona at the Nou Camp, with Diego Simeones side needing a point to clinch it. Barca took a 1-0 lead in the first half through Alexis Sanchezs stunning strike, and all seemed calm among the Catalans until Diego Godins 49th-minute header earned Atletico their first title in 18 years. It was the first time since 2004 that neither Barca or Real had claimed the title. Also See: Balagues La Liga best XI Suarez: Barca the worlds best VOTE: La Liga goal of season La Liga final day on Sky ' ' '

North Carolina has reached the Final Four in each season they won the Maui Invitational Adidas NMD Human Race Sale . -- In one brief spurt, Brazil turned a close game into a rout and proved again it will be a strong World Cup favourite. Adidas NMD Clearance . Paul Pierce couldnt believe he missed at the end. Young scored a season-high 26 points to spark a huge effort from the leagues most productive bench, and Los Angeles beat the Brooklyn Nets 99-94 on Wednesday night after blowing a 27-point lead. http://www.cheapnmdonline.com/adidas-originals-nmd-xr4-wolf-grey-white-men-s.html . - Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings was speaking to a group of local high school students earlier this week when the conversation turned to the importance of being prepared when opportunities in life arise. Adidas NMD Discount .Y. -- Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo had little trouble picking up his first shutout of the season against a Buffalo Sabres team thats having trouble scoring goals. Pharrell Williams Hu NMD Sale . -- Edmontons Val Sweeting is two wins away from a trip to Winnipeg to play in Canadas Road of the Rings in December. HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Prior to the start of the media day Thursday with the four championship contenders, Jimmie Johnson passed a reporter.You missed it, Johnson said. We just got in a big fight.A quick check of Johnson showed no black eye. He was fibbing, just having fun. It was no surprise. For a driver who had six Cup titles and feels like he plays with house money for the rest of his career, he could joke around all he wanted a few days prior to another potential biggest race of his life.But maybe he just wanted to create a distraction. Johnson obviously was hiding something else.A horseshoe.I guess the horseshoe only goes in one spot, Johnson quipped after a long celebration Sunday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway. But theres no room.That horseshoe has to exist somewhere in the Hendrick Motorsports stable. How else could Johnson have won a race Sunday when he looked to be the worst among the four Chase finalists for much of the event, causing crew chief Chad Knaus to drop a couple of choice curse words when trying to talk about what to do to the car?And then, in the most stunning and improbable fashion, Johnson emerged as the champion, number #se7en as he puts it.Most people in the situation we were just in would have crumbled and he didnt even waver, Knaus said. He knew what he needed to do. He knew what the demands were on him at that point in time and he made it happen. Thats the difference.Running sixth with 15 laps to go and fifth with 10 laps remaining, Johnson found himself in no position to win his seventh title and tie Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt in the process.Appearances werent even deceiving. He just didnt seem to have the speed to match Chase finalists Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch and Joey Logano.I never thought it was bleak, Johnson said. There was a weird, comfortable confidence all night long. ... I just felt like something was going to happen and I was going to be OK with it.And for a while, I came with the grips to the reality of it being third, fourth somewhere in there and shaking somebody elses hand and being happy for them.And then he turned into a seven-time Cup champion. A wreck on a restart with 10 laps remaining ruined the day for Edwards as he tried to block Logano. Edwards had the strongest long-run car but was out of the race. Logano, who was able to continue, had the strongest short-run car, but it was damaged.Johnson restarted fourth with five laps left in regulation and jumped quickly to second. Another accident led to NASCARs version of overtime, a two-lap dash to the finish. Johnson took the lead from Kyle Larson on the restart and never looked back, winning the Ford 400 and the 2016 title.There was just some calmness that was in me, Johnson said. We restart and the 22 [of Logano] and 19 [of Edwards] wreck and Im like, Oh, OK. Weve got a shot at this thing. I dont know why Ive been so calm but maybe it is in the cards. ... I get the restart of my life at the end and I got the goose bumps going down the backstretch and Im like, Youve got to be kidding me.Non-Chase finalists Larson and Kevin Harvick followed him across the finish line with Logano fourth. Kyle Busch, the other Chase finalist running at the finish, was sixth, while Edwards was in the garage at 34th.Crazy that they were neverr really in the game, but there they are all of a sudden every chance they get, Busch said.dddddddddddd. They get in the right time or the right lane or have a good restart or just do the things they need to do, and they make the most of it.As the team celebrated its championship, team members threw hats into the crowd. No horseshoes could be found.You can say luck, whatever you want to say, but those guys battled, said four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon, a co-owner of the team. They battled hard to try to get themselves in that position and hoped that cautions would come out and fall their way. And they did.It certainly was a battle. With 95 laps remaining and Johnson stuck in 10th, the team tried to figure out the adjustments during a caution.Were going to try a bunch of s--- here, Knaus told Johnson. Were last anyways.Among the adjustments: The team made an adjustment of the right front shock of the car, allowing the car to turn better as track temperatures cooled as the sun went down. It was especially important on those final restarts.Jimmie was definitely able to run the bottom of the racetrack better, Knaus said. In traffic, we just couldnt get from that fifth-to-eighth, in that area it is kind of like a black hole. Its very difficult to progress through that area and we just couldnt get through.So Johnson needed help. He got it in the form of the Edwards-Logano ruckus.Was there some luck involved or bad luck? ... Did that open up the door for us? Absolutely, Knaus said. But the fact of the matter is we lined up out there and Jimmie drove that thing past those guys and won the race.Yes, he did.With 10 laps to go, I said [to my wife], Were not going to??? were not going to do anything, team owner Rick Hendrick said. She said, Youre going to win the race.? I said, Well, thats pretty funny.When we had that last caution and he came out and took the lead ... I couldnt believe it.? I was actually stunned because we had so many ups and downs in that race, and Im not a big fan of restarts because I usually come out on the wrong end.Hendrick might be Johnsons biggest fan. And the feeling is mutual. Johnson remembers when Hendrick took a chance on him on the advice of Gordon, who saw Johnson race in the Xfinity Series and do nothing spectacular.Or at least not have spectacular results.Johnson proved Gordon a prophet, winning five consecutive Sprint Cup titles from 2006 to 2010, another in 2013 and now one more in 2016.I saw him doing a lot with a lot less equipment than some of his competitors, Gordon said. I thought, Wow, if we could give him the kind of equipment Ive been driving, just imagine what he can do. Of course, none of us expected it to turn out quite the way that it has.Its been an unbelievable career, a career that now includes 80 victories along with the seven Cup titles.?I didnt know if wed ever see anybody win seven, said Johnson teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., son of the late seven-time champion. But if anybody deserves it, it is?him.?Hes the best driver the sports seen in so long.He is definitely in the?discussion of the best driver?ever.?Great teammate.?Great guy.?So Im proud of him. ' ' '

Greeny and Golic welcome Monday Night Footballs Jon Gruden (7 a.m. ET), College GameDays Rece Davis and Kirk Herbstreit (7:30) and SEC Networks Paul Finebaum (9:00) to the show on Wednesday.Get in touch with Mike & Mike by emailing (mikeandmike@espnradio.com) or tweeting (@MikeAndMike) the guys -- we will be with you from 6-10 a.m. ET. Follow all of the action on ESPN2, ESPN Radio and ESPNRadio.com. Air Max 270 Off White For Sale .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. Fake Air Max 270 For Sale . A statement from the worlds top-ranked player says all checks "were satisfactory and showed positive evolution" regarding the injury, which contributed to his loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the final in Melbourne. http://www.max270cheap.com/air-max-270-flyknit-sale.html .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have recalled forward Kevin Porter and defenceman Chad Ruhwedel from the minors as part of a five-player roster shuffle made by the NHLs worst team. Nike Air Max 270 Ispa Black .com) - Manchester City midfielder David Silva is expected to miss the next four weeks because of a calf problem. Nike Air Max 270 Just Do It Black . Pierce was ejected in the third quarter of Indianas 103-86 win Monday. George Hill stole a bad pass and was going in for a layup, and Pierce hustled back and appeared to be trying to wrap him up.NEW YORK -- Mark Sanchez has a chance to take the lead in the New York Jets tightly contested quarterback competition. The team announced Thursday that Sanchez will start over rookie Geno Smith for the preseason home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night. The decision came a day after coach Rex Ryan said Smith had a "brutal" practice in what was his "worst day" of training camp. The rookie threw four interceptions, including three in 11-on-11 team drills. Smith is also dealing with a sprained right ankle that hobbled him early in the week, although he insisted it wasnt affecting his performance. Ryan, who was scheduled to speak to the media later Thursday, said it was clear to him that Smith is "not 100 per cent." It was not immediately certain if Smith would play at all Saturday night. The Jets could rest him until the third preseason game next week against the Giants. Greg McElroy, also dealing with an ankle injury, and Matt Simms are the other quarterbacks on the roster. Sanchez started the preseason opener at Detroit last Friday, in large part because he is the incumbent heading into his fifth season. He got off to a terrible start, with an interception returned for a touchdown, but rebounded with a solid performance that was capped by a TD pass to Jeff Cumberland. Smith had no turnovers in his debut, which was cut short when he rolled the ankle on a scramble in the third quarter. Offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg also said this week that he didnt get a good chance to evaluate Smith in the preseason opener because he was tinkering with several different aspects of the offence while the rookie was in.dddddddddddd Sanchez followed up the preseason opener with a good week of practices, while Smith was hobbled and pushed through the injury. "I think it went about as well as it could," Sanchez said Wednesday of the competition during camp. "I felt good throughout the duration of camp. I thought I threw the ball well. I was accurate. I did my best to take care of the ball and move the team down the field. I thought we did that really well in spurts. I thought we got a little more consistent as things went on. We just have to keep improving. I felt fine with the rotation. "Hopefully soon theyll make a decision and well roll." Even though this is Sanchezs second straight start in the preseason, Ryan said Wednesday that the plan against the Jaguars is not necessarily an indication of which quarterback leads in the competition. But, if Sanchez plays well and Smith doesnt take any snaps, it would appear the veteran would have the edge. Smith, who was cleared by team trainers early in the week, had not missed any time on the field. He worked mostly with the first-team offence Wednesday and appeared to move around with only a slight limp at times. "I havent really been trying to use it as an excuse," Smith said. "Ive been going out there and giving it my all, and I think Ive done a good job of just pushing through this week." The Jets break camp at SUNY Cortland on Thursday. ' ' '