Damian Lillard and the Bucks Crush Kings Bid In Overtime 143-142

Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown (center) is held back Molik Monk (right) after being thrown out of the game for arguing non foul calls by the officials when De’Aaron Fox got roughed up by the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Sun Jan 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (23-15) came so very close to finally beating the Milwaukee Bucks (27-12) in overtime. With five ticks left on the clock, Damian Lillard launched a 32 foot buzzer beater for a 143-142 win over the Kings. It was a heartbreaker for Sacramento who had taken a 141-137 lead with 17 seconds left in the game.

Game recap: The Kings had a 37-32 lead after the first 12 minutes of play but the Bucks made their presence known winning the second quarter 36-29 taking a 68-66 lead into the locker room at the half. 

Keegan Murray had a very quiet first half with only four points and Harrison Barnes with seven. The Kings would need a whole lot more from their starters as well as their bench in the second half. The Kings were taking care of the ball with only two turnovers but just needed more success from the field. They also wanted to defend without fouling in the second half of this game.

After three quarters, the Bucks held onto the lead 95-91. It all came down to the fourth quarter. This game became even more physical as the fourth quarter wore on. Kings head coach Mike Brown was ejected from the game when excessive physicality on De’Aaron Fox went unnoticed by the referees. 

Brown came onto the court in a rage which sent him to the locker room. This game went down to the wire as the Kings fought from behind throughout the entire quarter. As time expired the game was tied at 128 and went into overtime.

With 2:57 left in overtime the Kings had taken a 134-128 lead. With under two minutes this game was tied again at 134. With 1:18 left in the game the Kings led 141-137. The Bucks Brook Lopez hit a three and with 9.3 left on the clock Sacramento led by a single point 141-140 with possession. 

Fox drew the foul missing his first and making the second giving Sacramento the lead 142-140 with five ticks left on the clock. Milwaukee was not finished by a long shot and with the ball in Lillard’s hands the Kings could do nothing but watch a 32-point buzzer beater swish losing the game in a heartbreaker 143-142.

Sacramento lost this game at the line. Two turnovers and two missed free throws in overtime were the turning point for the Kings. It was a heartbreaker for the team after having played a heck of a game against one of the best in the NBA.

Fox finished with 32 points. What a disappointment for Fox who turned the ball over twice in the overtime. Malik Monk had 28 points off the bench. This was an exceptional showing for the team, they just came up a few points short.

The three’s were flying in this game. The Bucks shot 20 including the dagger and the Kings had 17 in a beautiful offensive display from both teams. Both teams shot at 52% from the field. Sacramento only had nine turnovers in the game. Lillard had the high for the Bucks with 29.

Post game notes: Sunday evening the Kings took on the Bucks at Fiserv Forum. This game challenged the Kings who came into this game after a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night 112-93 after a real lackluster offensive effort. 

The Bucks are playing lights out basketball after blowing out the first place Boston Celtics last Thursday night. Saturday night the Bucks beat the Golden State Warriors in a game that was very close through three quarters. Milwaukee took over in the fourth quarter finishing off the Warriors. 

Sunday night the Kings couldn’t crack the Bucks defensive code and they needed a strong offensive effort in overtime and they did their best to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo a huge challenge in itself.

The Kings continue their road trip traveling to Phoenix to take on the Suns. After losing to the Bucks, the Kings will be looking to get back on track after dropping two games in a row. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:00 PM.

 

Cardinal Outpaced Runnin’ Utes, 79-73, in an Afternoon Conference Battle inside Maples

Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) goes for a rebound against the Utah Utes at Maple Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Jan 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (9-7, 4-2 Pac-12) impeded the progress of the Utah Runnin’ Utes (12-5, 3-3 Pac-12) 79-73 on a sunny day in the Bay.

Stanford junior forward Maxime Raynaud was the French Resistance and the NCAA version of the Stifle Tower, as he posted a game high 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks, to propel his squad to a thrilling 3-point victory.  Three other Cardinal hoopers assisted in the huge effort with double-digit tallies: Brandon Angel (16), Michael Jones (15) and Kanaan Carlyle (12).

The game started off with the Runnin’ Utes going up 6-0 on two 3-pointers.  That turned out to be their biggest lead, although they made another 6-0 run in the first half, and actually led  more than 15 of the 20-minute period.  There were five lead changes and five ties, but the home team took the lead for only 33 seconds total, and by two (34-32) on a basket by Raynaud :06  before recess, which was the margin at halftime.

Raynaud paced the Cardinal with 12 points and five rebounds at the midway stanza of the game.  Also the only player on either team in double-figures.  Senior guard Ben Carlson led Utah with 9 points.

The second half started off with a bang for the Cardinal.  Brandon Angel opened up with a three-pointer, instantly increasing the lead to five.  They were able to increase that margin to as high as 12 points in the second 20 minutes.

However, Utah was not going to go down without a fight.  They scratched and clawed at the lead for a great portion of the half, but were not able to get over the hump on the road.

Their best opportunity was with just under four minutes left in the game, and they were at the free throw line with a chance to tie the game with a 1 & 1 scenario.  Utah missed the shot and Stanford converted a crucial 3 by the aforementioned Raynaud.  That was a 5-point turnaround that the Utes could not recover from.

Utah still tried to overcome the odds, despite missing another critical free throw, but Stanford stood tall and sturdy, as their mascot represents, and held on to the lead at the final whistle, 79-73 Cardinal.

Utah had three players in double-figures: Branden Carlson (14), Gabe Madsen (16) and senior guard Deivon Smith messed around and got a Triple-Double (16 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds).

The Cardinal will next be in action Thursday, January 18, hosting the Washington State Cougars at 8 PM PDT on the P-12 Network.  Utah returns to Salt Lake City on the same date to host the Oregon State Beavers at 7 PM MDT on ESPNU.

Headline Sports podcast with Daniel Dullum: Is Taylor Swift a Pentagon psy op?; Giants Lee takes tour of Oracle; plus more news

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and superstar singer Taylor Swift leave Arrowhead Stadium on Dec 25, 2023 after playing the Las Vegas Raiders (Kansas City Star file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce’s girlfriend Taylor Swift made headlines on Fox News when it was reported that Swift is a political psy op for the Government with millions and millions of followers she could be used for political influence and be a Pentagon asset. She had endorsed President Biden in the 2020 election and Republicans have blamed her for key loses. The Washington Post said Swift is not a psy op.

#2 San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee got a tour of Oracle Park this past week. Lee was joined by his agent Scott Boras and his interpreter. Lee entered through the back of Oracle through the outfield fence and took a look at the field and headed to the clubhouse and sat and spoke with reporters. What’s the expectations for Lee going into the 2024 season.

#3 This past week former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll 72, was relieved of his duties as head coach. Carroll said he was open to another head coaching job after serving as head coach for the Seahawks after 14 seasons. Carroll said that it’s hard to convince the Seahawks brass to let him stay because “their not football people.” Carroll will stay on as an advisor.

#4 Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick who left this week as head coach at the Patriots said the parting between him and owner Robert Kraft was mutual. Belichick he was grateful for being head coach in New England for 24 years, that he was honored to coach some of the greatest players that ever played, Belichick said that he’s ready to move on.

#5 Charlie how important is it that the Oakland A’s fan clubs like the Last Dive Bar and Oakland 68s will have the A’s farm team the Stockton Ports join them at the planned FansFest on Sat Feb 24th at Jack London Square in Oakland. The Ports say they’re there to support the fans. The 68s and the Last Dive are sponsoring FansFest.

#6 What statement does that say about an A’s organization minor league affiliate to step up in the drive to raise money for the political cause in helping get a petition drive together for Schools over Stadiums to get an initiative on the Nevada ballot to stop the public funding for a new A’s ballpark at the Tropicana?

Daniel Dullum filled in for Charlie O for today’s Headline Sports podcast heard each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose State wins off buzzer beater from Myron Amey Jr. against Air Force 70-67

Photo courtesy of Spartan Athletics.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

The Spartans looked to end their three-game losing skid with a win over Air Force on Saturday night.

Heading into this one the Spartan’s record had dipped to 7-9 while Air Force was sporting a record of 7-7.

The first half started off rather close as the teams exchanged buckets with neither being able to pull away.

Their lethal shooting helped San Jose pull away, though, as they shot 62% in the first half while going 5-10 from three. Leading the way in points for the Spartans was Tibet Goerner who had 11 points in the first half along with four rebounds.

Air Force shot at a decent 54% with Ethan Taylor contributing the most as he had ten while Jeffrey Mills racked up four assists in the half.

While Mill’s four assists were good Alvaro Cardenas outdid him with six assists in the first.

Heading into halftime the Spartans had the lead at 46-33.

The second half did not start out well for SJSU as Air Force went on a 9-0 run to start the half cutting their lead to 46-42.

Trey Anderson would break the run with a layup but Air Force continued to hang around.

Then at 3:41 with the score tied Air Force took the lead for the first time in the game off a pair of free throws by Rytis Petraitis.

The teams continued to exchange leads leading up to an insane finish as the game was tied with 1.5 seconds left on the clock.

San Jose State had one last chance to put the game away or it meant overtime as Cardenas would inbound the ball from Air Force’s baseline.

As Cardenas scanned the floor he saw Myron Amey Jr. who had been hot all second half stick out his hand for the pass. Without hesitation, Cardenas flung it to Amey who with a defender draped all over him drained the three-ball ending the game right then and there.

As the players rushed the floor SJSU’s record now improved to 8-9 while Air Force’s fell to 7-8.

Amey ended up being the leader in points on the night with 16 and rebounds as he had nine while Cardenas racked up nine assists. For Air Force Ethan Taylor had the most points with 19.

San Jose State will look to keep the good times rolling in their next game against Fresno State on the road on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Gleason and Condors stay hot in 3-2 win over Barracuda

Bakersfield Condors Ben Malone (#17), Seth Griffith (#39), Drake Caggiula (#9) celebrate with Ben Gleason (#6) who scored a goal against the San Jose Barracuda at Mechanics Bank Arena on Saturday JAN 13, 2024. (Bakersfield Condors)

by Marko Ukalovic

The Bakersfield Condors scored two goals in the first period en route to a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Saturday evening at Mechanics Bank Arena.

San Jose has lost five games in a row and three straight against the Condors. Bakersfield has won four games in a row and have points in nine straight games (7-0-1-1).

Bakersfield (15-10-1-2) drew first blood with an even strength goal early in the first period. A shot from the point by Philip Broberg went off the skate of Nikolai Knyzhov and onto the stick of Alex Peters who beat ‘Cuda goalie Magnus Chrona with a wrist shot for his third goal of the season at the 5:44 mark.

The Condors doubled its lead on the power play late in the opening frame. Lane Pederson sent a pass through a sea of traffic over to Raphael Lavoie who lasered in a wrist shot for his 11th goal of the season at the 14:27 mark.

San Jose (11-18-5-0) registered 11 shots on net in the first 20 minutes of play but didn’t have anything to show for it on the scoreboard thanks to the play of Condor’s goalie Jack Campbell.

Ben Gleason kept his goal streak alive when he blasted a slapshot past a screened Chrona for his seventh goal of the season at the 17:51 mark of the second period. Gleason has scored a goal in his fifth straight game and has four of his seven goals have come against the ‘Cuda. Drake Caggiula picked up the primary assist on the goal.

The Barracuda’s best scoring chance in the middle frame came on a 3-on-1 short-handed chance led by Shakir Mukhamadullin. However, Ethan Cardwell’s shot from the slot was stoned away by Campbell.

San Jose ended Campbell’s shutout bid with a power play goal to begin the third period. On the back end of a double-minor to Matvey Petrov that occurred late in the second period, Jack Studnicka centered a pass through the crease and Dani Gushchin scored into an open net with a one-timer for his team leading 13th goal of the season at the 1:38 mark.

San Jose cut the deficit to a one-goal game late in the period. Nathan Todd sent a pass back up to the point where Leon Gawanke blasted a slapshot past Campbell for his eighth goal of the season at the 13:28 mark.

Campbell (6-6-0-1) finished the game stopping 33 of the 35 shots he faced to earn his sixth victory of the season. Chrona (4-9-3), who made back-to-back starts, made 28 saves on 31 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-5 on the power play. Bakersfield was 1-for-3.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Gleason  2) Peters 3) Lavoie.

UP NEXT: San Jose travels back east to begin a two-game series with the Charlotte Checkers on Tuesday 1/17 at 4:00pm at Bojangles Coliseum.

Cal Bears post game report: Bears blow 18-point lead, lose to Ducks 80-73

The Oregon Ducks guard Jamie Cousinard (5) drives for the hoop against the Cal Bears forward Faraws Amiaq (00) in the first half at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene OR on Sat Jan 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024

Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene, Oregon

California Golden Bears 73 (6-11 Overall; 2-4 Pac-12)

Oregon Ducks 80 (13-3 Overall; 5-0 Pac-12)

By Stephen Ruderman

In a role reversal of their epic comeback win Wednesday, but what has occurred so many times this season, the Bears blew an 18-point lead, as they ultimately fell to the Oregon Ducks, 80-73.

The Bears were coming off the win of the season after coming back from down 20 points to defeat the Colorado Buffaloes on Wednesday night in Berkeley. However, they were in Eugene, Oregon to play one of the best teams in the Pac-12 in the Ducks. The Ducks were coming in off to a 12-3 start, and winners of their previous five games.

Oregon won the opening tip, and got on the board after Mahamadou Diawara drew a foul and made the second of two from the line. Cal and Oregon both failed to score on their next drives, and then Fardaws Aimaq hit a three-ball to put the Bears up 3-1.

The scoring was back and forth over the first seven and a half minutes, but when Jalen Celestine hit a three with 12:27 remaining to put the Bears up 17-14, Cal went on a tear. Jalen Cone and Devin Curtis hit jump shots, and Cone hit the third of three from the line to put the Bears up 22-14.

The Bears kept their drive going, as Aimaq, Cone and Jaylon Tyson led the way, and a jumper from the paint by Tyson opened Cal’s lead to 41-23 with 3:59 to go in the first period.

However, the Ducks came roaring back. Jadrian Tracey laid one in to get things started. Jermaine Couisnard hit a three, and Keeshawn Barthelemy hit a jumper to make it 41-30.

Keonte Kennedy laid one in to make it 43-30, but the Ducks kept going. Tracey and Couisnard hit threes to close it to 43-36, and Couisnard hit another three to make it 43-39 going into the half.

The Ducks closed out the first period with a 16-2 run, and they weren’t finished. There was no scoring for the first minute and 18 seconds of the second period until Tracey slammed one down. Tyson responded by laying one in.

Jackson Shelstad hit a jumper to make it 45-43, and then he hit a three to put the Ducks back ahead. The Bears retook a 49-46 lead after Tyson hit two from the line, and Rodney Brown Jr. laid one in, but the Ducks scored five unanswered points to jump back ahead, 51-49.

Grant Newell hit a jumper for Cal to tie it, and then Kario Oquendo hit a three to put Oregon back ahead, 54-51. Jalen Cone was fouled, and hit two from the line to make it 54-53.

Then, the Ducks started to pull away. Oquendo dunked one in, and Tracey made a pair of layups plus a free throw to open the Ducks’ lead to 61-53 with 10:10 remaining.

The Bears still had some fight left in them. Tyson hit a three, and Kennedy laid one in to cut the deficit to 63-60. Jackson Shelstad hit two from the lane for the Ducks, and Kennedy hit a hook shot and a free throw to make it 65-63.

The Bears continued to tread water, as they trailed 70-67 with 4:41 to go, but the Ducks started to pull away again, and this time for good. Keeshawn Barthelemy laid one in; N’faly Dante hit a free throw; Brennan Rigsby hit a jumper; and Dante hit another free throw to open the lead up to 76-67 with 2:38 to go.

Time was running out for the Bears, who were never able to get back to within any less than six points, and the Ducks held on to win it, 80-73.

It was another loss for the Bears after blowing a massive lead, as they fell to 6-11 on the season, and 2-4 in Pac-12 play. The good news for the Bears is that with their next three games at Haas Pavilion and a plethora of off-days, they will be home for almost three weeks.

The Bears will look to bounce back, as the Washington Huskies will come into Berkeley for a 6 p.m. start Thursday night.

Warriors Come Up Short Against Bucks Losing in the Final Minutes 129-118; Golden State’s 4th loss in 7 games

The Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (center) gets fouled by the Golden State Warriors Andrew Wiggins (22) with Cory Joseph (1) in the first half at Fiserv Arena in Milwaukee on Sat Jan 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (18-21) fought tooth and nail throughout the game but the Milwaukee Bucks (27-12) made a final push in the late fourth quarter winning the game 129-118 Saturday night.

The second place Bucks proved to be too hot to handle although the Warriors led at the half and challenged Milwaukee throughout the entire game. It was not until the final three minutes of the game that the Bucks took this game away.

Game recap: The Warriors lost the opening quarter 33-24 but they poured it on in the second quarter. With under five minutes left in the half, Golden State was outscoring the Bucks 26-13. The Warriors took a 53-48 lead with under three minutes left on the clock.

 Golden State was taking care of the ball in the first half of this game with only two turnovers. At the half, the Warriors had a slim lead 56-54. Trayce Jackson-Davis had the high score in the first half, the only player for the Warriors with double digits, shooting for ten points.

With under five minutes left in the third quarter the Bucks took back the lead 75-72 after trailing for much of the quarter. The Warriors had led by as much as seven points in this quarter as this game remained a real roller coaster with the two teams trading the lead. After three quarters, the Bucks had a 83-81 lead and this game was going down to the wire.

The Milwaukee Bucks began to create a little separation in the final three minutes of the game. As the clock began the countdown to the games end, the Bucks took a twelve point lead 122-110. With a minute left on the game clock Milwaukee finished off the Warriors 129-118.

Jonathan Kuminga did a great job off the bench, keeping the Warriors in this game. He had the game high with 28 points. Brandin Podziemski finished with 23 points, ten rebounds and Klay Thompson had 21 points for the game. 

The Warriors had a clear chance to win this game despite being shorthanded. For their next game against the Grizzlies there is an outside chance that Draymond Green will take the court. A better bet would be next Wednesdays game against the Jazz when we may see Green play again

Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 33 for the Bucks. Damien Lillard had 27 points and Khris Middleton with 24 points. When push came to shove, the Bucks really showed up.

Post game notes: Friday night the Warriors had a great win over the Chicago Bulls dominating in the third quarter which eventually led to a 140-131 win. Saturday night they faced an even greater challenge taking on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. They attempted to contain Antetokounmpo and company but they were too much for Golden State overpowering them in the fourth quarter 46-37 to pretty much put the Warriors out of commission.

The Bucks had a decisive win Friday night over the first place Boston Celtics 135-102. Milwaukee is currently in second place in the Eastern Division behind the Celtics. The Warriors rested guard Stephen Curry for this game starting Podziemski in his place. The decision was made not to play Curry on consecutive nights.

Monday night the Warriors will take on the Memphis Grizzlies as they continue their road trip. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

 

 

 

 

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Sharks hope to keep winning going in Ottawa today at Canadian Tire Arena

The San Jose Sharks Luke Kunin (11) is stoked after scoring on the Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault (35) as the Sharks Justin Bailey (90) looks on at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Fri Jan 12, 2024 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 Mary Lisa, the San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn has to be relieved that the 12 game losing streak came to an end on Thursday night at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

#2 Close game against the Canadiens in a one goal 3-2 win. The Sharks put 35 shots of which three were for goals against Habs goaltender Sam Montembeault.

#3 The Sharks goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood had to play some great defense to keep the Canadiens out of the net facing 35 shots and stopped two goals this is how close these two teams played.

#4 Luke Kunin, Fabian Zetterlund, Nikita Okhotiuk also scored for San Jose. The Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said the win took some weight off their shoulders.

#5 The Sharks head to Ottawa and the Canadian Tire Centre to face off against the Senators today. The Sens are last in the NHL Atlantic at 14-23-0 and have lost seven of their last ten. This could be another good opportunity for the Sharks to pick up another win.

Join Mary Lisa for the SJ Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: ESPN returns 37 Emmys after investigation

Stephen A Smith who is considered the face of ESPN and is the highest paid talent at the Sports Network. ESPN recently had to return 37 Emmys because of using ineligible on air talent sending in fake names for the awards. (photo from onmilwaukee.com)

ESPN returns 37 Emmys after investigation

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

From the department of “Who can you trust today in media”.

According to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) ESPN has returned dozens of Emmys. They (ESPN) were involved for decades in securing trophies for ineligible on-air personalities by submitting fake names for consideration.

It was found that employees at ESPN had been submitting made-up names to the Emmys organization to obtain more than 30 extra trophies and give them to broadcast talent who were not eligible to receive them.

The shocking part of this scheme is that this has happened at ESPN since 2010. The employees at the sports network attached fake names to award entries.

An internal investigation conducted by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and ESPN found that employees at the sports network had been submitting made-up names to the Emmys organization to obtain more than 30 extra trophies for broadcast personalities who were ineligible to receive them.

This is according to ESPN who is admitting and now is coming clean with the whole story. More specific details could be revealed in the future.

ESPN began operations and went on the air on September 7, 1979. In 2024, Stephen A. Smith is the most popular on-air talent on ESPN today, making $12 million annually. CBS Judge Judy is the highest paid in all of television, with $47 million per year for her top-rated show.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Condors early third period blitz sink Barracuda in 3-2 win

San Jose Barracuda forward Tanner Kaspick and Bakerfield Condors center Brad Malone battle for position during a 3-2 win by the Condors at Tech CU Arena on Friday evening JAN 12, 2024. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The Bakersfield Condors three unanswered goals, including two early goals in the third period, and held on at the end to defeat the San Jose Barracuda 3-2 on Friday evening at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose has lost four games in a row. Bakersfield has won three games in a row and five of its past six games.

San Jose (11-17-5-0) drew first blood with an even strength goal just past the halfway mark of the first period. Kyle Ray centered a pass from the behind the net out to Ethan Cardwell who beat Condor’s goalie Olivier Rodrigue with a quick shot to the short side for his 10th goal of the season at the 12:12 mark.

Cardwell snapped a six-game goal draught after getting off to a hot start to the season.

Bakersfield (14-10-1-2) out shot San Jose 12-9 in the opening frame but were kept off the scoreboard thanks to ‘Cuda goalie Magnus Chrona making key saves late in the period.

The Condors scored the equalizer with a power play goal near the halfway mark of the second period. Raphael Lavoie centered a pass out to an unmarked Seth Griffith and the veteran forward beat Chrona with a wrist shot for his fourth goal of the season at the 7:47 mark.

Bakersfield gained its first lead of the game 66 seconds into the third period with a short-handed goal. Former ‘Cuda forward Lane Pederson collected a loose puck inside the Barracuda zone. Pederson centered a pass over to Ben Gleason who buried a wrist shot past Chrona for his sixth goal of the season.

That killed us, absolutely killed us,” said ‘Cuda head coach John McCarthy on trailing while on the power play. “It comes down to details, we didn’t have…it was the short-handed goal against it was one guy (on the play). We had three back and lost it. That’s the type (of goal) that’s going to lose you games.”

Gleason is on a four-game goal streak in which he has scored five goals.

The Condors scored their third unanswered goal with its second power play goal of the game over two minutes later. Griffith set up Dylan Holloway, who made his season debut for Bakersfield, who tapped home the puck into an open net for his first goal of the season at the 3:15 mark.

“That’s always a key to our game is staying out of the (penalty) box. We’re not taking retaliation penalties. It’s something we’ve worked on year long. We gotta continue to clean up, we have to get our stick on the puck. We get our stick tied up on people’s feet. No one is going out there trying to trip somebody, but if you get your stick caught in someone feet, you’re playing with fire,” McCarthy said.

Nathan Todd made it a one-game with a 6-on-5 goal when the ‘Cuda pulled Chrona for an extra attacker with 37 seconds remaining in the game. Oskar Lindblom’s wraparound attempt leaked out to the left and Todd cleaned up the rebound for his eighth goal of the season.

Rodrigue (7-2-3) finished the game stopping 36 of the 38 shots he faced to earn his seventh victory of the season. Chrona (4-8-3) made 28 saves on 31 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-2 on the power play. Bakersfield was 2-for-4.

It was the second of the three Tigers Del Mar nights of the season as the Barracuda donned a specialty jersey that consisted of the color purple with orange trim and a tiger logo in the center. The first one was back on October 28, 2023.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Gleason 2) Griffith 3) Cardwell.

UP NEXT: San Jose and Bakersfield conclude their home-and-home series on Saturday 1/13 at 7:00pm at Mechanics Bank Arena.