Category: Sports

David Stern, NBA’s commissioner for 30 years, dies at 77

David Stern, NBA’s commissioner for 30 years, dies at 77
By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer
David Stern, who spent 30 years as the NBA’s longest-serving commissioner and oversaw its growth into a global power, has died. He was 77. The league says Stern died Wednesday after suffering a brain hemorrhage Dec. 12. Stern had been involved with the NBA for nearly two decades before becoming commissioner in 1984. By the time he left, a league that had struggled for a foothold had grown into a more than $5 billion a year industry and become perhaps the world’s most popular sport after soccer.

Shoulder injury sidelines Penguins’ Guentzel for 4-6 months

Shoulder injury sidelines Penguins’ Guentzel for 4-6 months
Pittsburgh Penguins All-Star forward Jake Guentzel is out at least four months after undergoing right shoulder surgery. Guentzel had surgery Tuesday, just hours after getting hurt in the third period of a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Guentzel went hard into the boards shortly after scoring his team-leading 20th goal of the season for the Penguins. The injury came on the same day the 25-year-old Guentzel was named to his first All-Star team. General manager Jim Rutherford says the recovery time is 4-6 months.

Despite lacking star power, Ravens beat Steelers 28-10

Despite lacking star power, Ravens beat Steelers 28-10
By DAVID GINSBURG AP Sports Writer
The Baltimore Ravens relied upon a strong defensive performance to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-10 and finish the regular season riding a 12-game winning streak. The Ravens played without quarterback Lamar Jackson and other stars and had very little at stake. Baltimore finished 14-2 and had already secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Baltimore’s first touchdown followed a fumble by Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges, who was held in check the entire game. The Ravens also scored on special teams after Pittsburgh punter Jordan Berry dropped the wet football near his end zone. The Steelers finished the season with three straight losses.

Watkins leads No. 20 Penn State over Cornell 90-59

Watkins leads No. 20 Penn State over Cornell 90-59
By TRAVIS JOHNSON Associated Press
Mike Watkins scored 16 of his 19 points in the first half and No. 20 Penn State beat Cornell 90-59. Lamar Stevens added 19 points, Myreon Jones scored 18, Izaiah Brockington had 11 and Watkins added 10 rebounds for the Nittany Lions. They won their 13th straight home game. Penn State led for all but 2:01 after Stevens took over midway through the first half. The big forward broke a 9-all tie with three-straight baskets that made it 16-9. Jimmy Boeheim scored 17 points for the Big Red.

Guentzel’s power-play goal lifts Penguins past Predators 6-4

Guentzel’s power-play goal lifts Penguins past Predators 6-4
By DAN SCIFO Associated Press
Jake Guentzel’s power-play goal with 1:03 remaining helped the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Nashville Predators 6-4. Bryan Rust’s initial point shot missed the net, and Evgeni Malkin gathered the puck behind the net and gave it to Guentzel, who tucked it inside the left post for the winning goal.

Under weight of family tragedy, LSU coach crafts big win

Under weight of family tragedy, LSU coach crafts big win
By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer
LSU offensive guru Steve Ensminger had far more than football on his mind at the Peach Bowl. Ensminger learned before the game his daughter-in-law had been killed in a plane crash in Louisiana. The plane was bound for Atlanta and his son’s wife, Carley McCord, planned to attend the game. Ensminger managed to gather himself to call the game of his career as the Tigers beat No. 4 Oklahoma 63-28 in the playoff semifinal.  Before the Tigers head to New Orleans to play in the national championship game, Ensminger will seek comfort from family and friends in Baton Rouge.

Burrow throws 7 TDs, LSU routs Oklahoma 63-28

Breathtaking: Burrow throws 7 TDs, LSU routs Oklahoma 63-28
By PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Writer
Joe Burrow turned in the greatest performance yet in his Heisman Trophy season, throwing for seven touchdowns and 493 yards as No. 1 LSU romped to a breathtaking 63-28 victory over No. 4 Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl semifinal. The unbeaten Tigers now head to the national football championship game against either No. 3 Clemson. They are certainly clicking on all cylinders, having dismantled the Sooners with a first half for the ages. Burrow tied the record for any college bowl game with his seven TDs — all before halftime. Justin Jefferson had four TD catches.

Clutch Clemson: No. 3 Tigers beat No. 2 Ohio State 29-23

Clutch Clemson: No. 3 Tigers beat No. 2 Ohio State 29-23
By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer
Trevor Lawrence connected with Travis Etienne on a 34-yard touchdown with 1:49 left in the fourth quarter and No. 3 Clemson beat No. 2 Ohio State 29-23 Saturday night at the Fiesta Bowl to advance to the College Football Playoff championship game. The Tigers went 94 yards on four plays in 1:18, with Lawrence completing all three of his passes and mixing in an 11-yard run. The sophomore quarterback who has never lost a college start passed for 259 yards and two scores and ran for a career-high 107 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown late in the first half. Clemson sealed it by intercepting Justin Fields’ pass into the end one with 37 seconds left.

Lincoln Park vs Highlands

Highlands runs through Lincoln Park by a score of 73-51. The game started out as a good one, heading into half-time Highlands was leading Lincoln Park 35-27. And after half-time it was different story, Highlands came out in the second half and stomped Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park just had no answer for Highlands in the second half and struggled to make shots.