The race for the top seed in the Western Conference heats up.
The San Antonio Spurs lost today to the Memphis Grizzles and are now on a two-game losing streak.
After losing its starting center/power forward Tim Duncan, the Spurs have dropped several games and are losing their cushion over No. 2 seed Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have been a different story following the NBA All-star weekend, winning 14 of their last 15 games.
With the loss today against the Grizzles, the Lakers could be four games behind if they are able to beat the New Orleans Hornets tonight at Staples Center.
The chance seemed impossible but now that same chance is looking brighter and possible every day as the Lakers and Spurs race toward the end of the season.
Both teams will have nine games remaining after tonight and the teams have one more meeting with each other in Los Angeles next month before the season ends.
The Lakers might finish first in the West after all.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Kevin Harvick steals Fontana
Lap 199 seemed like a eternity for Jimmie Johnson as sped past the start/finish line leading the final lap of the California Auto Club 400 at Fontana today.
After passing Kyle Busch a few laps prior to the final lap, Johnson needed one more lap before he could claim Fontana for the second time in two seasons.
As the leader and the pack made the their way past the second turn, Johnson was followed tightly by Harvick and Busch.
The pressure was on for the five-time Nascar Sprint Cup champion as he lead the group into turns three and four. With no laps lead throughout the race and not a favorite to win the race, Harvick stormed passed Johnson on the last turn and stole the victory from Johnson.
The win gave Harvick lots of confidence and eased his frustration of today's race since Harvick was not a key player for most of the race and stood in the midst of the pack for the majority of the race.
Busch who was the strongest driver, had the best car all day as he dominated most of the race and battled with Tony Stewart all day.
Busch lost the lead late with less than five laps to go and no one felt he was going to be caught.
Unfortunately Johnson could not hold his own lead after passing Busch and neither driver could be more upset with themselves to let a driver, who was not a factor for most of the race, to win the race at the last lap.
After passing Kyle Busch a few laps prior to the final lap, Johnson needed one more lap before he could claim Fontana for the second time in two seasons.
As the leader and the pack made the their way past the second turn, Johnson was followed tightly by Harvick and Busch.
The pressure was on for the five-time Nascar Sprint Cup champion as he lead the group into turns three and four. With no laps lead throughout the race and not a favorite to win the race, Harvick stormed passed Johnson on the last turn and stole the victory from Johnson.
The win gave Harvick lots of confidence and eased his frustration of today's race since Harvick was not a key player for most of the race and stood in the midst of the pack for the majority of the race.
Busch who was the strongest driver, had the best car all day as he dominated most of the race and battled with Tony Stewart all day.
Busch lost the lead late with less than five laps to go and no one felt he was going to be caught.
Unfortunately Johnson could not hold his own lead after passing Busch and neither driver could be more upset with themselves to let a driver, who was not a factor for most of the race, to win the race at the last lap.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Butler Bulldogs off to the final four
Following a season of losing the NCAA Men's basketball championship by a basket, the Butler Bulldogs are back on track to finishing what they left off a season ago.
Led by the leadership of senior Matt Howard, the Bulldogs defeated Florida in overtime, 74-71, to advance to the final four.
The game seemed out of reach as Butler made a comeback from a Florida 11 point lead.
The game went into overtime as Florida failed to win the game off a long three point shot by Ervin Walker.
Butler now awaits the winner of tomorrow's Kansas and VCU.
Led by the leadership of senior Matt Howard, the Bulldogs defeated Florida in overtime, 74-71, to advance to the final four.
The game seemed out of reach as Butler made a comeback from a Florida 11 point lead.
The game went into overtime as Florida failed to win the game off a long three point shot by Ervin Walker.
Butler now awaits the winner of tomorrow's Kansas and VCU.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Not another NBA team in Southern California
The Anaheim Royals . . .
Do not rub your eyes and reread that. It is true, the Sacramento Kings officially sent in their request to move the team to Anaheim and relocate as the Royals.
If the request is granted, the Kings will begin next season in their new city. The question now shifts to how can the Kings compete in Southern California when there are two NBA teams in Los Angeles?
Not only are the Kings competing with the Clippers but they are also competing with the Lakers, who are kings of Los Angeles and rule all of Southern California.
The majority of Orange County residents are Laker fans but how many of those fans are willing to ditch the 16-time (soon to be 17--hopefully) NBA Champions for the Royals?
Granted the OC will get its own NBA team but why would you root for a lousy team if you are already a fan of a legendary team? (This is were NBA fans can run with this and assist that Laker fans are bandwagon fans--which is not true.)
Three NBA teams in Southern California is not the best solution. Is there anyway Southern Californians can trade the new neighbors and the Clippers for a NFL team? Now that is a awesome idea that every Southern Californian can agree on.
The soon to be Royals will suffer a long time to fit in Anaheim but it can be another two more home games for the Lakers since those Laker road games to Anaheim will be filled with Laker fans.
Do not rub your eyes and reread that. It is true, the Sacramento Kings officially sent in their request to move the team to Anaheim and relocate as the Royals.
If the request is granted, the Kings will begin next season in their new city. The question now shifts to how can the Kings compete in Southern California when there are two NBA teams in Los Angeles?
Not only are the Kings competing with the Clippers but they are also competing with the Lakers, who are kings of Los Angeles and rule all of Southern California.
The majority of Orange County residents are Laker fans but how many of those fans are willing to ditch the 16-time (soon to be 17--hopefully) NBA Champions for the Royals?
Granted the OC will get its own NBA team but why would you root for a lousy team if you are already a fan of a legendary team? (This is were NBA fans can run with this and assist that Laker fans are bandwagon fans--which is not true.)
Three NBA teams in Southern California is not the best solution. Is there anyway Southern Californians can trade the new neighbors and the Clippers for a NFL team? Now that is a awesome idea that every Southern Californian can agree on.
The soon to be Royals will suffer a long time to fit in Anaheim but it can be another two more home games for the Lakers since those Laker road games to Anaheim will be filled with Laker fans.
Tigers continue hot conference start
The Riverside City College baseball team (12-7, 5-1 OEC) continued its strong start to conference play with a convincing win over the Fullerton College Hornets (8-11, 1-5 OEC) by a score of 7-3 Tuesday afternoon in Fullerton.
Both teams got off to an early start with the RCC striking first in the top of the first inning when second baseman Grady Espinosa was able to reach home on a triple by designated hitter Frankie Torres.
Hornets left fielder Eric Bernstein was able to score the equalizer in the bottom of the first inning when, after having already stolen second base, he was brought around to score on a single into left field by first baseman Derek Collins.
Fullerton would take a brief lead over the Tigers in the bottom of the fourth inning when Hornets designated hitter David Arnold would single and subsequently steal second base. He would later score on a base hit by second baseman Tanner McCall.
From that point on it was all Riverside. The Tigers would score six runs in top of the fifth and sixth innings, highlighted by a series in the top of the fifth inning in which Tigers shortstop David Kiriakos would drive in a run with a single up the middle and then proceed to steal not only second base but home plate as well in one of the more uniquely productive innings that can be seen in baseball.
Tigers starter Brian Hopper (2-1) collected the win, working five innings while allowing only two earned runs. The loss was attributed to Hornets starting pitcher Richard Lucas (2-3) who would wind up allowing five runs in five innings played. Only three of the runs Lucas allowed were credited as earned however as the Hornets defense was plagued by four errors on the day.
For their next game RCC will travel to Costa Mesa to take on the Pirates of Orange Coast College on March 17 at 2 p.m.
Both teams got off to an early start with the RCC striking first in the top of the first inning when second baseman Grady Espinosa was able to reach home on a triple by designated hitter Frankie Torres.
Hornets left fielder Eric Bernstein was able to score the equalizer in the bottom of the first inning when, after having already stolen second base, he was brought around to score on a single into left field by first baseman Derek Collins.
Fullerton would take a brief lead over the Tigers in the bottom of the fourth inning when Hornets designated hitter David Arnold would single and subsequently steal second base. He would later score on a base hit by second baseman Tanner McCall.
From that point on it was all Riverside. The Tigers would score six runs in top of the fifth and sixth innings, highlighted by a series in the top of the fifth inning in which Tigers shortstop David Kiriakos would drive in a run with a single up the middle and then proceed to steal not only second base but home plate as well in one of the more uniquely productive innings that can be seen in baseball.
Tigers starter Brian Hopper (2-1) collected the win, working five innings while allowing only two earned runs. The loss was attributed to Hornets starting pitcher Richard Lucas (2-3) who would wind up allowing five runs in five innings played. Only three of the runs Lucas allowed were credited as earned however as the Hornets defense was plagued by four errors on the day.
For their next game RCC will travel to Costa Mesa to take on the Pirates of Orange Coast College on March 17 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Strong pitching performance by Chabot fuels Tigers win
For most of the season Riverside City College's bats had carried them to a winning record, however it was starting pitcher Matt Chabot who shut down the Cypress College Chargers (10-6, 3-2 OEC) on Saturday afternoon in a 7-2 Tigers victory at Evans Field in Riverside.
In Chabot's last performance against Saddleback College he struggled with his command, hitting four batters and allowing five earned runs while lasting only 4.1 innings. Against Cypress however Chabot (2-1) pitched the Tigers (11-7, 4-1 OEC) first complete game of the season allowing only one earned run scattered among four hits for a Chargers team that was unable to do much more than ground out to Tigers shortstop David Kiriakos for most of the game. Chabot credited an altered delivery to his impressive performance.
The Tigers offense made several contributions of their own to the impressive win hanging seven runs, six of them earned, on the aptly named Chargers starter Travis Pitcher (1-1).
In Chabot's last performance against Saddleback College he struggled with his command, hitting four batters and allowing five earned runs while lasting only 4.1 innings. Against Cypress however Chabot (2-1) pitched the Tigers (11-7, 4-1 OEC) first complete game of the season allowing only one earned run scattered among four hits for a Chargers team that was unable to do much more than ground out to Tigers shortstop David Kiriakos for most of the game. Chabot credited an altered delivery to his impressive performance.
The Tigers offense made several contributions of their own to the impressive win hanging seven runs, six of them earned, on the aptly named Chargers starter Travis Pitcher (1-1).
Right fielder Cade Gotta set the pace early for the Tigers with a triple in the top of the first inning driving Michael Castello, Chad Erickson, and Kiriakos in to score.
The Tigers would continue their assault on the Chargers in the second and third innings as well scoring two runs in each. The scoring was highlighted by a thrilling play in which Tigers center fielder Aaron LaFountaine stole home in one of the more exciting moments of RCC’s season thus far.
LaFountaine continued his surge that began with onset of conference play with three hits in his four plate appearances as well as scoring a run in addition to the aforementioned steal of home. LaFountaine credits his success to seeing the ball better at the plate.
The Tigers next game will be against the Hornets of Fullerton College on March 15 at 2 p.m.
The Tigers would continue their assault on the Chargers in the second and third innings as well scoring two runs in each. The scoring was highlighted by a thrilling play in which Tigers center fielder Aaron LaFountaine stole home in one of the more exciting moments of RCC’s season thus far.
LaFountaine continued his surge that began with onset of conference play with three hits in his four plate appearances as well as scoring a run in addition to the aforementioned steal of home. LaFountaine credits his success to seeing the ball better at the plate.
The Tigers next game will be against the Hornets of Fullerton College on March 15 at 2 p.m.
Miami Heat are out-matched
The super team is not that super after all.
The Miami Heat recently went on a five-game losing streak before braking it against the two-time defending champs this past Thursday.
The Heat are considered a super team with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh but after those three players, the Heat do not have anyone else to fall back on. The team also does not have a center.
Miami is 45-21 and its record against the best teams in the NBA is weak. Only winning two games, both against the Los Angeles Lakers, and losing three to the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics, two against the Dallas Mavericks and one against the San Antonio Spurs.
With two "closers" on the team (James and Wade,) the Heat are only 5-13 in games decided by five points or less.
And James and Wade is 1-12 when games are 3 points or less in the fourth quarter or overtime.
Despite already clinching a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and third in the East at this moment, the Heat are not being counted on to come out of the East.
Without a center and inconsistent production from its bench, the Heat are not making the NBA finals this season.
0-6 against the two teams ahead of them (Boston and Chicago,) the Heat are not going to be favorites to defeat them.
If the Heat end up as the No. 4 seed in the East and the New York Knicks end up as the No. 5 seed in the East, then the Heat are not going to be able to get out of the first round because the Knicks are capable of upsetting the Heat in the playoff series.
The super team is more like a three man band.
The Miami Heat recently went on a five-game losing streak before braking it against the two-time defending champs this past Thursday.
The Heat are considered a super team with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh but after those three players, the Heat do not have anyone else to fall back on. The team also does not have a center.
Miami is 45-21 and its record against the best teams in the NBA is weak. Only winning two games, both against the Los Angeles Lakers, and losing three to the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics, two against the Dallas Mavericks and one against the San Antonio Spurs.
With two "closers" on the team (James and Wade,) the Heat are only 5-13 in games decided by five points or less.
And James and Wade is 1-12 when games are 3 points or less in the fourth quarter or overtime.
Despite already clinching a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and third in the East at this moment, the Heat are not being counted on to come out of the East.
Without a center and inconsistent production from its bench, the Heat are not making the NBA finals this season.
0-6 against the two teams ahead of them (Boston and Chicago,) the Heat are not going to be favorites to defeat them.
If the Heat end up as the No. 4 seed in the East and the New York Knicks end up as the No. 5 seed in the East, then the Heat are not going to be able to get out of the first round because the Knicks are capable of upsetting the Heat in the playoff series.
The super team is more like a three man band.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Kobe Bryant continues to break records
This season has been a marvelous season for Kobe Bryant on the all-time NBA scoring list.
Bryant has jumped over multiple players including Moses Malone, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Oscar Robertson, Dominique Wilkins and John Havlicek.
The next person ahead of Bryant on the all-time scoring list is a former teammate, the player who he won three straight NBA title with, the one and only, Shaquille O'Neal.
But the question remains, can Bryant do the unthinkable and eventually become the overall all-time scorer in NBA history?
The challenge is difficult but if Bryant can remain healthy and have consistent seasons for another four seasons then Bryant will be knocking on the door.
Bryant currently has 27,447 points and is 10,910 points behind the all-time scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
With the injuries he has to his fingers and the looming questions if his knees are fine, the question remains how long does Bryant have until his prime begins to decease.
Bryant is only 32-years-old and is in his 15 season in the NBA. Only time will tell when Bryant will begin to decrease. Signs show of old age but there are times when Bryant looks young.
No matter what anyone says Bryant still dominates the league and continues to show greatness as he runs pass former hall of fame players on the all-time scoring list.
Bryant will go down as one of the all-time greatest players in the NBA if he or does not conquer the all-time scoring list.
Bryant has jumped over multiple players including Moses Malone, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Oscar Robertson, Dominique Wilkins and John Havlicek.
The next person ahead of Bryant on the all-time scoring list is a former teammate, the player who he won three straight NBA title with, the one and only, Shaquille O'Neal.
But the question remains, can Bryant do the unthinkable and eventually become the overall all-time scorer in NBA history?
The challenge is difficult but if Bryant can remain healthy and have consistent seasons for another four seasons then Bryant will be knocking on the door.
Bryant currently has 27,447 points and is 10,910 points behind the all-time scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
With the injuries he has to his fingers and the looming questions if his knees are fine, the question remains how long does Bryant have until his prime begins to decease.
Bryant is only 32-years-old and is in his 15 season in the NBA. Only time will tell when Bryant will begin to decrease. Signs show of old age but there are times when Bryant looks young.
No matter what anyone says Bryant still dominates the league and continues to show greatness as he runs pass former hall of fame players on the all-time scoring list.
Bryant will go down as one of the all-time greatest players in the NBA if he or does not conquer the all-time scoring list.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tigers dominated by Santa Ana
In a matchup between two of the top teams in the Orange Empire Conference the Riverside City Tigers were outclassed by the Dons of Santa Ana by a final score of 11-1 at Evans Field.
Both teams came into Thursday’s game with unblemished 3-0 records in the conference and looking to make the statement that they were the team to beat this year in the Orange Empire Conference. Santa Ana entered play ranked number one in the state in men’s baseball and were also looking to extend on a six game winning streak. RCC came into the game on a tear of their own that had seen them win four straight games, scoring 43 runs in the process.
Santa Ana right fielder Gary Apelian started the scoring off for the Dons with an RBI double in the top of the fourth inning. The floodgates opened from there as the Dons would go on to score seven unanswered runs before RCC was finally able to stop the bleeding in the bottom of the sixth inning when Tigers catcher Billy Nottingham was able to safely cross the plate on a fielder’s choice. Unfortunately for RCC, it would turn out to be their only score of the game.
Santa Ana would tack on three more runs in the seventh and eighth innings, including an inside the park home run by designated hitter Taylor Richardson. to make the victory even more impressive. The win moved Santa Ana manager Don Sneddon to within one win of his 1,000th career victory.
Ben Burke (3-1) collected the win for Santa Ana, scattering 110 pitches in just over 6 innings of work. Jordan Mejia, who fell to 1-1 on the season, was able to last just 3.2 innings before giving way to relief pitcher Mike Mudron.
After the game a visibly frustrated RCC manager Dennis Rogers commented that his team was “overmatched today” before bringing the squad back on the field for a team meeting.
Even with the loss RCC remains just a game behind Santa Ana in the conference standings with two games remaining against the Dons to avenge this crushing defeat and try to maintain pace in the race for the Orange Empire Conference crown.
Both teams came into Thursday’s game with unblemished 3-0 records in the conference and looking to make the statement that they were the team to beat this year in the Orange Empire Conference. Santa Ana entered play ranked number one in the state in men’s baseball and were also looking to extend on a six game winning streak. RCC came into the game on a tear of their own that had seen them win four straight games, scoring 43 runs in the process.
Santa Ana right fielder Gary Apelian started the scoring off for the Dons with an RBI double in the top of the fourth inning. The floodgates opened from there as the Dons would go on to score seven unanswered runs before RCC was finally able to stop the bleeding in the bottom of the sixth inning when Tigers catcher Billy Nottingham was able to safely cross the plate on a fielder’s choice. Unfortunately for RCC, it would turn out to be their only score of the game.
Santa Ana would tack on three more runs in the seventh and eighth innings, including an inside the park home run by designated hitter Taylor Richardson. to make the victory even more impressive. The win moved Santa Ana manager Don Sneddon to within one win of his 1,000th career victory.
Ben Burke (3-1) collected the win for Santa Ana, scattering 110 pitches in just over 6 innings of work. Jordan Mejia, who fell to 1-1 on the season, was able to last just 3.2 innings before giving way to relief pitcher Mike Mudron.
After the game a visibly frustrated RCC manager Dennis Rogers commented that his team was “overmatched today” before bringing the squad back on the field for a team meeting.
Even with the loss RCC remains just a game behind Santa Ana in the conference standings with two games remaining against the Dons to avenge this crushing defeat and try to maintain pace in the race for the Orange Empire Conference crown.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tigers come out on top in conference slugfest
The Riverside City College Tigers were able to overcome some inconsistent fielding Thursday night in Irvine defeating Irvine Valley College by a score of 10-9 continuing their hot conference start.
The win was the Tigers fourth in a row, third straight in conference play, and again featured an explosive offensive outburst which has been the biggest reason for the team’s success since conference play began.
The first inning featured a plethora of runs for both teams with RCC getting the game off to a fast start by scoring five runs in the top of the first inning. The highlight of the inning for the Tigers was a three run bomb by short stop David Kiriakos, his first on the season.
Irvine answered quickly by pushing four runners across the plate in the bottom half of the inning, but not without a little help from some shoddy defensive play by the RCC defense. All four of Irvine’s runs in the inning were unearned. This fact wasn’t enough to save Tigers starter Kyle McNutt from falling victim to a quick hook from manager Dennis Rogers. McNutt would face 11 batters in his one inning of work while allowing no earned runs.
The third inning featured more miscues for the Tigers pitcher Brain Hopper found himself guilty of two balks; both which allowed runs to score. A double from Irvine’s right field Bryan Glynn would give Irvine a two run lead.
The win was the Tigers fourth in a row, third straight in conference play, and again featured an explosive offensive outburst which has been the biggest reason for the team’s success since conference play began.
The first inning featured a plethora of runs for both teams with RCC getting the game off to a fast start by scoring five runs in the top of the first inning. The highlight of the inning for the Tigers was a three run bomb by short stop David Kiriakos, his first on the season.
Irvine answered quickly by pushing four runners across the plate in the bottom half of the inning, but not without a little help from some shoddy defensive play by the RCC defense. All four of Irvine’s runs in the inning were unearned. This fact wasn’t enough to save Tigers starter Kyle McNutt from falling victim to a quick hook from manager Dennis Rogers. McNutt would face 11 batters in his one inning of work while allowing no earned runs.
The third inning featured more miscues for the Tigers pitcher Brain Hopper found himself guilty of two balks; both which allowed runs to score. A double from Irvine’s right field Bryan Glynn would give Irvine a two run lead.
Chad Erickson provided the Tigers with a spark in the top of the fourth, crushing a pitch from Irvine starter Cody Fitzgerald over the wall for his second home run of the season, driving in two Tiger runs in the process and tying the game at six.
After a top of the sixth inning in which it looked like RCC may have finally put Irvine away by taking a two run lead, the Tigers again were plagued by errors in the field allowing their opponents back into the game.
After reaching on an error by RCC third baseman Curtis Cassise, Irvine center fielder Robert Dey stole second base and later scored on an RBI triple off the bat of second baseman Scott Kaplan. Kaplan would later score on a sacrifice fly, once again tying the game.
The two teams would remain scoreless from that point on until the top of the ninth inning when RCC would finally score the deciding run as Michael Castello was able to cross the plate on a fielder’s choice.
Kristopher Butler (3-0) collected the win for the Tigers allowing only one hit over three innings played. Brendan Cates (2-1) allowed six earned runs over five and two-thirds innings pitched.
Chad Erickson led the Tigers offensive attack by going 4-for-6 and driving in three runs. Kiriakos also added three runs batted in, all by way of his home run in the first.
The Tigers will next face off against the Santa Ana Dons, who are currently the top ranked team in the state, on March 10th at Evans field in Riverside in a battle for Orange Empire Conference supremecy.
After a top of the sixth inning in which it looked like RCC may have finally put Irvine away by taking a two run lead, the Tigers again were plagued by errors in the field allowing their opponents back into the game.
After reaching on an error by RCC third baseman Curtis Cassise, Irvine center fielder Robert Dey stole second base and later scored on an RBI triple off the bat of second baseman Scott Kaplan. Kaplan would later score on a sacrifice fly, once again tying the game.
The two teams would remain scoreless from that point on until the top of the ninth inning when RCC would finally score the deciding run as Michael Castello was able to cross the plate on a fielder’s choice.
Kristopher Butler (3-0) collected the win for the Tigers allowing only one hit over three innings played. Brendan Cates (2-1) allowed six earned runs over five and two-thirds innings pitched.
Chad Erickson led the Tigers offensive attack by going 4-for-6 and driving in three runs. Kiriakos also added three runs batted in, all by way of his home run in the first.
The Tigers will next face off against the Santa Ana Dons, who are currently the top ranked team in the state, on March 10th at Evans field in Riverside in a battle for Orange Empire Conference supremecy.
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