Author: Sports Radio Service

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal needs to tighten up on turnovers; Bears rank 16th in six turnover categories

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Cal Bears wide receiver Mikey Matthews (8) and wide receiver Nyziah Hunter (13) celebrate at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley against the Oregon State Beavers on Sat Oct 26, 2024 (Cal Bears X photo)

On Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 After Cal Bears (4-4) had lost four straight and crushed the Oregon State Beavers (4-4) last Saturday there is little doubt that Cal head coach Justin Wilcox had this team prepared and turned around and it was a weight off their back to get back in the win column.

#2 Cal has outscored opponents 212-138 in it’s four wins that averages out to 20.75. In contrast in their four loses Cal have averaged to 2.25 points.

#3 Not a good category for Cal they are number 16 in six statistical categories in turnovers, Cal is second in turnover margin (+1.63 per game), tied for third in interceptions (14), tied for fourth in fewest passes intercepted (3), tied for fifth in turnovers lost (5), tied for sixth in turnovers gained (18) and tied for 16th in fumbles lost (2).

#4 Morris, Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza is coming off throwing 27-36, for 364 yards, and two touchdowns against Oregon State last week. Will this be something that could carry over for Mendoza in terms confidence and piling up the throwing yards against Wake Forest for Friday night?

#5 There have been surprising results in the ACC and how do you see the Championship chase nationally.

Join Morris Phillips for the Cal football podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings sink Raptors 122-107; DeRozan leads Sac with 27 points

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) defends as the Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) reaches for a rebound in the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night, playing their first game since returning from a four-game road trip. Their trip included stops in Utah, Atlanta, Toronto, and Miami, where they went 3-1, improving their season record to 4-3.

The Kings returned home on Wednesday to face the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, with tip-off set for 7 PM PST. The Kings defeated the Raptors 122-107 Wednesday night.

In the first quarter, the Raptors jumped out to an early lead, scoring 33 points, led by Chris Boucher and RJ Barrett, who combined for 22 points. These two quickly made themselves known as “Kings killers” in Sacramento.

The Kings’ offense managed 30 points in the first quarter, led by Keegan Murray with 12 points. The Kings seemed to start slow in both games they had played against the Raptors to open the 2024 season.

In the second quarter, the Kings’ defense picked up the pace, holding the Raptors to only 21 points. Meanwhile, the Kings scored 27 points to take a 57-54 lead into halftime. Solid adjustments made in the second quarter raised the question of whether they could continue to limit the Raptors’ offense in the second half. Keegan Murray led the Kings in first-half scoring with 14 points, while RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 14 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings’ defense faltered again, struggling to find rhythm in defensive shifts, allowing the Raptors to retake the lead. The Kings scored a respectable 32 points, but the Raptors scored 39, leading 93-89 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings took control. DeMar DeRozan and the Kings’ offense dominated, outscoring the Raptors 33-24 to secure a 122-107 victory and improve to 5-3 on the season. DeRozan led the Kings with 27 points, while RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 23 points in defeat.

Kings head coach Mike Brown had high praise for Keegan Murray, who finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds in the game. “His transformation is all about him and his work ethic. His will and determination to become the best possible player he can be… Look out for Keegan Murray,” Coach Brown said of Murray after the win.

The Kings will aim to keep up the momentum on Friday as they take on the LA Clippers at Golden 1 Center, with tip-off set for 7 PM PST.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Mayor of Oakland also leaving “a recall”

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao will be recalled by the voters of Oakland. Thao has served two years as Oakland Mayor. Voters have complained of high crime, homelessness is out of control, and her losing the Oakland A’s. Here she is addressing A’s fans at a City Hall meeting in her attempt to get a ballpark built at Howard Terminal at the time. Thao lost the A’s after raising the lease at the Oakland Coliseum when they wanted to play there until 2028 before moving to Las Vegas. The A’s turned down her offer and are playing in Sacramento in 2025.

Mayor of Oakland also leaving “a recall”

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao inherited a good situation when Mayor Libby Schaff left her term, and Thao started hers in 2023. At the time, the Oakland A’s were in a good position with the possibility of the A’s ownership building the new $1.5 billion ballpark in Oakland.

Back then, even Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke positively about Mayor Schaff. Thao did not handle the negotiations with the A’s very well, and things deteriorated quickly. The citizens of the City of Oakland started a campaign to recall the mayor.

Early in June of this year, a big unexpected problem occurred when FBI agents conducted an early-morning raid on the home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, looking for documents with a warrant under a corruption investigation.

This was news from coast to coast carried by most networks, and it was not a good look for Oakland’s leadership. It was a ‘punch in the gut’ for the reputation of Oakland. Even comedians were making fun of Oakland.

On November 5, election day, the recall measure was voted with 65% in favor. Mayor Thao will be leaving Oakland, just like the Athletics, not for Sacramento, but she is losing her job as the top executive in the city.

Sheng Thao is not leaving just because of the A’s departure but because of the high percentage of crime in her town that she could not correct. Many businesses have been vandalized multiple times, and some of them, like the famous burger chain “In N Out,” closed their restaurant on Hegenberger Road.

It was the first time the popular fast-food chain closed one of its franchises anyplace in the country because of crime. That is what “In N Out” corporate office released to the media after they took action.

Budget problems are under her leadership and missing a grant deadline did not help, and the high crime and negative press across the country were too much for her to survive (“In-N-Out currently has locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado and Idaho)

According to the latest reports, as of Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Thao was trailing in the recall, 65% to 35%, and there is a likely outcome for her removal. It would be the first time this happened in Oakland in 100 years.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Taylor said Wolfpack’s Bailey had time to run on the pass rush

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford Cardinal Tobin Phillips (40) attempts to pass rush NC State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey in the first half in Raleigh NC on Sat Nov 2, 2024 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael in Stanford head coach Troy Taylor’s presser this week coach explained what happened as the NC State Wolfpack had a good first half as the Wolfpack scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and 17 points in the second quarter.

#2 Coach Taylor said that Wolfpack kept rolling until the fourth quarter when Stanford got an interception.

#3 Coach Taylor said that NC State quarterback CJ Bailey had time to throw the ball and that Bailey is “talented and a heck of a player” Bailey wound up throwing three touchdowns last Saturday.

#4 Coach said that if you don’t pressure the quarterback the Wolfpack didn’t make any mistakes. ” (Bailey) had a lot of time to throw and he did a great job when we had him covered down he would run for yards”

#5 The Cardinal (2-7) return home to host the Louisville Cardinals (6-3). Louisville beat the Clemson Tigers in their last game 33-21 at Clemson last Saturday. Louisville has won three of their last four games. What’s your take as it’s the Cardinals vs. the Cardinal this Sat Nov 16 at 12:30pm PST.

Join Michael Roberson for the weekly Stanford Cardinal podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Purdy ready to battle Buccaneers Sunday in Tampa Bay

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch watches his players in a drill during camp in Santa Clara on Mon Jul 31st, 2023 (AP News file)

On the SF 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Dave, the 49ers getting their last win against the Dallas Cowboys 30-24 a close game and Brock Purdy put up some good numbers at quarterback 18-26 for 260 yards, and one touchdown. How do you see Purdy matching up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense this Sunday?

#2 49ers general manager John Lynch said that running back Christian McCaffrey could come off the injury list soon. Lynch said that McCaffrey has passed every test in their plan. During the bye week McCaffrey stayed and worked with the trainers. McCaffrey has been on the injured list since Sep 14th when he injured his with bilateral Achilles tendinitis.

#3 There is talk that 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy could wind up being one of the NFL’s top paid quarterbacks. The question is would Purdy make in the neighborhood of $50, $55, $60, or $65 million and if Purdy has the same type of second half like he did like in the first half he could fetch for those dollar amounts.

David Zizmor does the 49ers podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Eovaldi walks away from $20 million and Rangers declares free agency; Cole and Yanks settle on not changing the contract; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi will be seeking greener pastures as Eovaldi has declined the $20 million offer by the Rangers and will not return for the 2025 season and will declare free agency and seek a new club. (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Texas Rangers Two time All Star starter RHP Nathan Eovaldi became a free agent on Monday. Eovaldi declined a vested $20 million player option with the Rangers for next season. Eovaldi will get a $2 million buyout. In 2023 Eovaldi pitched in the deciding game that landed the Rangers the World Series Championship. Eovaldi was 5-0 with a 2.85 ERA in the 2023 post season.

# 2 New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole was prepared to leave after asking for a $36 million extension that would raise his contract from $140 million to $180 million. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Cole sat down and hashed things out. It was agreed upon that both sides wanted to stay in New York so it was agreed that there would be no extension raise and Cole would finish out his current contract as a Yankee.

#3 Amaury, 13 players are getting qualifying offers which includes the Yankees Juan Soto as free agency began on Monday. Soto hit .288, 166 hits, 41 homers, and 109 RBIs. No doubt Soto will be well sought after if he ever hits the market but like Cole he might want to stay in New York too.

#4 Two San Francisco Giants were awarded the Golden Glove Awards third baseman Matt Chapman and catcher Patrick Bailey both had a superb season at their respective positions.

#5 The former Oakland Athletics released brand new guidelines and saying they will be referred to as the Athletics or A’s not the Sacramento A’s where they will be playing for the next three years at Sutter Health Park. The A’s are foregoing any mention of Sacramento and do not want fans to be confused with any city name because they have already vacated Oakland and eventually will vacate Sacramento in 2028.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts at http://www.sportsradiioservice.com every Tuesday

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders fire offensive assistant coaches; Vegas face Dolphins in Miami next Sunday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (bottom) tries to recover quarterback Gardner Minshew’s fumble in front of the Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Logan Wilson (55) at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sun Nov 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 The Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) once again get pummeled this time by the Cincinnati Bengals (4-5) at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati 41-24. In the first half Tony the Raiders did have a close half coming out of it trailing 17-10 and it looked like the Raiders were going to stay in step with the Bengals.

#2 Raider starting quarter back Gardner Minshew was 10-17, 124 yards, did not throw or carry for a touchdown and didn’t throw an interception. Minshew and the Raiders just couldn’t much going on scoring in the third and fourth quarters.

#3 The Raiders couldn’t shut down the Bengals scoring in the second half as the Bengals in third quarter scored 14 points and ten points in the fourth quarter to run away with the game.

#4 Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow got good protection and was mobile against the Raiders pass rush finishing with a line of 27-39, 251 yards, had all day to throw with five touchdowns and was intercepted once.

#5 The Raiders hope to end their current five game loss streak as they head to Miami and Hard Rock Stadium for a 10:00am PST kickoff with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have struggled of late as well with three loses in a row and they lost Sunday 30-27 to the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins drop their record to 2-6. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a 25-28 afternoon throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Any chance the Raiders can snap out of this funk against the Dolphins next Sunday?

Tony Renteria does the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Newbies lead Cal to 86-73 win over CSU Bakersfield in season opener

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Cal Bears guard DeJuan Campbell (3) is all smiles on opening night against the CSUB Roadrunners at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Mon Nov 4, 2024 (Cal Bears X photo)

Monday, Nov. 4, 2024

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners 73 (0-1)

California Golden Bears 86 (1-0)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Cal Bears (1-0) opened the 2024-2025 season, and a bunch of new faces shined in an 86-73 win over the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners (0-1) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Monday night.

Following a brutal 3-29 2022-2023 season, the Bears bounced back under first-year head coach Mark Madssn to go 13-19. It wasn’t the greatest record ever, but it didn’t come without its memorable and heartbreaking moments.

The Bears had some epic come-from-behind wins last season, as well as big wins against stronger teams. They even had a chance at a winning season until they lost their final four.

Most of the faces from last season are gone, and the Bears are now in the Atlantic Coast Conference as Madsen returns for his second season. With new blood in the Bears’ locker room, and an entirely new starting lineup of transfers, Madsen would try to build off the momentum from last season.

First up in this new season would be the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners out of the lesser-known Big West Conference. Right away, one of the newcomers made his presence known. I’m talking about Andrej Stojakovic, the son of former NBA forward Peja Stojakovic, who believe it or not transferred over from Stanford of all places.

Stojakovic hit a three 15 seconds into the game to put the Bears on the board and stake them out to an early 3-0 lead. Over a minute later, he would hit a layup to make it 5-2. Oddly enough, Stojakovic was just 3-for-9 in field goals, but his perfect 9-for-9 in free throws led him to a 16-point performance.

The Roadrunners would take an 8-7 lead a few minutes later, but that would be the only lead they would hold the entire night.

The Bears went into the half with a 46-28 lead. One of the biggest themes in Bears’ games last season was that whichever team had a big lead at halftime was likely to lose it in the second half. Fortunately for the Bears, that did not happen Monday night.

Yes, the Roadrunners made things a little bit interesting late, as they cut the lead in half. However, a strong finish gave the Bears a comfortable 86-73 win.

The leading scorer for the Bears Monday night with 17 points was Jovan a Blacksher Jr., a transfer from Grand Canyon University playing his sixth season of college basketball. Blacksher was 6-for-14 in field goals, and 3-for-7 from beyond the arc.

BJ Omot, a transfer from the University of North Dakota, scored 13 points. DJ Campbell, who transferred from Stockton University, scored 12; and Mady Sissoko, who came over from Michigan State University, scored 10.

The Bears are 1-0, and they will welcome the Cal Poly Mustangs into Haas Pavilion Thursday night. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m.

Kings Blowup In Third Quarter Hanging On To Beat Miami Heat 111-110

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) defends against the Miami Heat Bam Adebayo (13) in the first half at Miami on Mon Nov 4, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (4-3) trailed after the first quarter, they trailed at the half in their game with the Miami Heat (3-3). They caught fire in the third quarter outscoring the Heat 37-17 and hung on to win the game 111-110.

De’Aaron Fox led the charge in the third quarter scoring 16 points. Domantas Sabonis had another double double in this amazing win. They have now improved to 4-3 on the season winning three games on this four game road trip.

Game recap: After the first 12 minutes of play, the Kings were trailing by a single basket 22-25. It had been a competitive quarter. The second quarter was not a great one for the Kings and at the half, the Heat had taken a 61-48 lead.

Miami had closed the first half with a 13 to 1 flurry. They outscored the Kings by ten points in the second quarter 36-26. It was a lackluster first half for Sacramento. The Kings were 3 of 14 from downtown while the Heat were 11-20.

They seemed at times that they were having trouble communicating defensively. They did protect the ball well with six turnovers in the half. The huge problem for Sacramento was the 21% accuracy from beyond the arc.

The Heat on the other hand were shooting 55% from downtown. The Kings had hit 3 three’s and the Heat scored 11 of 20. Sacramento had numerous open shots but just couldn’t hit them. The Kings had a bit of an uphill challenge in front of them but they tend to rise to the occasion when they are behind the eight ball.

They needed to play with urgency in the second half but without fouling. The Kings needed someone to get hot in the third quarter and it would not be long before we found out who that someone was.

The Kings came off the critical list at 8:58 going on a 9-0 run and pulling to within six points 57-63. It took nearly three quarters but at 3:09 Sacramento took the lead 77-76. The Kings continued to dominate the quarter going on a 12-0 run taking an 85-77 lead with 24 ticks left on the clock.

Sacramento had outscored the Heat 37-17 in an incredible turnaround. Fox was responsible for this huge third quarter comeback scoring 16 points. They took a 85-78 lead into the fourth quarter. Sabonis kept it clean in the third quarter with the three fouls drawn in the first half as did Malik Monk who had four fouls in the opening half.

The Heat began to creep back into the game cutting the Kings lead to three points 85-82 at 11:26. The game had a wild ending. When it looks as though the Heat would pull this one out, DeMar DeRozan hit a three plus a foul and it was a one point game, the Kings trailing 107-108 with less than a minute left in the game. Sabonis made a 9-foot two point shot with 0.7 giving the Kings the lead 111-110. After this physical brutal game, Sacramento was able to pull this one out.

When the dust had settled on this game four of the Kings starters had four personals along with bench player Monk who also had four but each of them was able to hold on and continue to play a physical game.

The high for the Kings was Fox with 28 points and six rebounds who spurred the Kings climbing back into this game after the first half. DeRozan finished with 26 points. Sabonis had a double double with 16 rebounds and 16 points.

Keegan Murray had 14 points and six rebounds. Monk finished with 14 points and the Kings had a 3-1 record on this road trip. Three road wins on any road trip is no small feat. After being down significantly these guys did not give up, they found a way to win. Everyone on the team had a hand in this game.

Game notes: Monday night the Kings took on the Heat. The Kings had a tough three-point loss in overtime to the Toronto Raptors Saturday night 131-128. Despite some impressive stats, the Kings were off. The turnovers were troublesome with 18 and second and third chance balls would not fall.

A lot of credit goes to the Raptors who did play a very impressive game with RJ Barrett going off for 31 points. The Kings did not get a lot of stops which hurt them throughout the game. The Raptors dictated play from the get go and it was not the case in Monday night’s game.

The Heat have a deep starting roster with Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier and Nikola Jovic. Saturday night Bam Adebayo was the top guy scoring 32 points, last Wednesday it was Tyler Herro with 34 points and last Monday it was Jimmy Butler who had the high score for the team with 23 points.

The Kings have now won three of their last four games. Unfortunately Kevin Huerter missed his second game of the season for the Kings due to a non-covid related illness. The Kings arrived in Miami three hours late Sunday due to various issues on the tarmac but they did get Sunday off and were rested and won Monday night.

The Kings will now return home getting another crack at the Toronto Raptors looking for a little payback on Wednesday night. That game will take place at Golden 1 Center with tipoff scheduled for Wednesday at 7:00 PM.

Cardinal Unsettle Pioneers 85-62, During Exploration on the Farm, Monday Afternoon

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford Cardinal guard Oziyah Sellers (4) led the Cardinal in scoring on Mon Nov 4, 2024 against the Denver Pioneers at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Staford Cardinal (1-0, 0-0 ACC) won their season opener with a 85-62 victory over the University of Denver Pioneers (0-1, 0-0 Summit League) on an Early Afternoon in Palo Alto.

Despite a nip and tuck beginning to the contest, Stanford eventually took charge and pulled away from the competition. The first half had five ties and seven lead changes, and was really competitive until late in the stanza.

“I was really pleased for our first home game; I thought we played well in a lot of stretches, and Denver played really hard.” Explained Stanford HC Kyle Smith.

Near the 7-minute mark of the first half, Stanford went on a 17-0 run, taking a great deal of fight from the Mile-High Explorers. During the initial 20 minutes, the Cardinal hit five threes, blocked 5 shots, swiped 9 steals, dished 8 assists, and forced 12 turnovers.

At the midway point of the game, Stanford led by 16 (38-22), although their largest advantage during the initial half was two points greater. Junior guard Benny Gealer led the home team with 12 points, on four made 3-pointers. Senior forward Maxime Raynaud was near a double-double, with nine points and eight rebounds. Sophomore guard DeAndre Craig topped the Pioneers with eight points and four rebounds..

The second half had even more contributions from the Cardinal hooper, including junior guard Oziyah Sellers and his 17 additional points to the teams’ tally. Sellers had a productive seven points in the first half, but exploded for more than double his early output. Raynaud also continued his consistent play with points, rebounds and assists,

Denver continued to fight; however, the Cardinal ‘s attack and defense was too strong, as they led by as much as 27 points late in the game. When the final horn sounded and the 40 minutes of regulation expired, the Cardinal had secured their first win of the 2024-25 season, 85-62.

The aforementioned Sellers led all scorers with his career high 24 points, and he grabbed 7 rebounds. Raynaud accomplished a double-double (16 points & 12 rebounds) and gave 6 assists, swiped two steals and blocked a shot.

Two other Cardinal hoopers were in double figures: Gealer (12) and graduate guard Jaylen Blakes (12), who also dropped 6 dimes himself for the squad.

The Pioneers had three players to eclipse the 10-point plateau. Craig (12), freshman guard Sebastian Akins (150 and senior forward Pedro Lopez-Sanvicente (10).

The Cardinal will next be in action Friday, November 8 at Maples hosting Fullerton at 1:00 PM PST on ACC Extra/ESPN+. Denver heads back to Colorado to host Western Colorado on the same date at 1:00 PM MST on Micro Sports Plus/Summit League Network.