SJSU mens basketball open up 2023-24 season with victory over UC Irvine 72-64

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo courtesy of Titus Wilkinson.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- The Spartans opened up their season with a solid victory over UC Irvine on their home court by a final of 72-64.

The first half was a rough one for San Jose shooting wise as they went 9-23 from the field while only hitting two three’s.

UC Irvine was able to shoot just a little better clicking at 10-25 from the field with only one three.

It was 24-24 at the end of the first half with head coach Tim Miles clearly not happy with his teams performance.

In the second half a completely different offense shown through for the blue-and-white as they dropped 48 points. There shooting was much better as they shot 14-27 from the field while going 5-13 from beyond the arch.

Similar to the first half UC Irvine was only able to knock down one three but did get 13 points from the free throw line.

A major stand out for the Spartans tonight was Trey Anderson who went 7-9 while getting 19 points. Tibet Goerner looked solid from three as he went 3-4 while also nabbing five rebounds.

The second half also saw San Jose get in some foul trouble as UC Irvine fought to get into the double bonus. The main culprits for the Spartans were Adrame Diongue with five fouls and William Humer with four.

The Spartans will look to remain undefeated as they take on Bethesda on Thursday at home at 8 p.m.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Oakland Mayor swings for a Five-Run Homerun 

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Fans and media await Mayor Sheng Thao to address the efforts by the City, City Council and Port of Oakland to keep the A’s in Oakland (photo by Stephen Ruderman Sports Radio Service)

Oakland Mayor Swings for a Five-Run Home-run

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

November 7, 2023

OAKLAND–A new resolution by the Oakland City Council, spearheaded by the Mayor of Oakland Shen Thao was a last ditch effort today, November 7, what was a day for elections in other places across the country. It calls major league owners to keep the team in Oakland.

The owners are scheduled to vote next week, with 75% of the owners needed to approve the move of the A’s from Oakland to Las Vegas. “This is our team,” said Mayor Sheng Thao. “We are showing our good faith that we will work hard to keep our team rooted here.” Oakland has multiple sites.

There are viable options,” she said. “We continue to urge John Fisher to come back to the table and we have viable buyers should the team go up for sale.”

Rebecca Kaplan, Oakland council member, said, “It will be cheaper to build here, it will be faster to build here. “And the fan base is stronger here.” City of Oakland leaders argue they can rapidly accommodate a new stadium project and that $428 million in grants has been secured.

Meanwhile, in Carson City, Nevada. A Nevada judge threw out a proposed ballot referendum back by a statewide teachers union that would give voters the final say on whether to give $380 million in public funding (approved by Joe Lombardo, Governor of the State of Nevada) for a proposed $1.5 billion A’s stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.

As a Bay Area resident since 1969, who broadcasted the Oakland A’s and the San Francisco Giants, among other teams I have made my opinion public and very clear in two different languages. I believe the A’s belong in Oakland and to the Bay Area.

They are a storied and successful franchise, having won Four World Series Titles at the much-maligned Oakland Alameda County Coliseum.

However, this last-ditch attempt by the Mayor of Oakland and the city council is like going for an impossible 5-run Home Run in baseball, or maybe a Hail Mary Pass in Football, which has a nine percent chance of completion. Quote: ‘I had only one superstition. I make sure to touch all the bases when I hit a home run. -Babe Ruth.

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

Mayor Thao, A’s Fans and City of Oakland make statement at spirited press conference

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao addressed the media and Oakland A’s fans during a presentation to keep the team in Oakland effort at Oakland City Hall on Tue Nov 7, 2023 (photo by Stephen Ruderman Sports Radio Service)

By Stephen Ruderman

OAKLAND–Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was joined by Oakland City Council members, members of the Howard Terminal Commission and members of the Oakland 68s with numerous Oakland A’s fans in attendance for an impassioned press conference at City Hall in Oakland, in which everybody made clear that the A’s belong in Oakland.

The press conference took place, as the owners are set to vote on Nov. 14 for the potential relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas. Numerous A’s fans came out to City Hall to fight to keep the team that has been one of the biggest parts of their lives.

“The only thing I can do to help save the team is make my voice heard as loud as possible,” said A’s fan, Rick Grijalva. “Ditto,” said A’s fan and Grijalva’s uncle, Greg Debois.

After initially gathering at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, fans made their way inside to the City Council Chamber, where chants of “STAY IN OAKLAND” rang throughout the chamber for three minutes, as Mayor Sheng Thao made her way to the podium.

“Are we all pissed?” asked Thao to kick off the press conference, perfectly capturing the mood of almost everybody in attendance.

Mayor Thao highlighted an agreement between the A’s and the Howard Terminal Commission, as well as a written commitment by A’s Principal Owner John Fisher in 2018 to stay in Oakland. Thao even went as far as to meet personally with Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred in Seattle on July 11, two days before the All-Star Game was played there.

It seemed like more of a rally than a press conference, as Mayor Thao repeatedly encouraged the owners to vote no next week. Thao did not mince words, and she came out firing.

“We are all sick and tired of this uncertainty,” said Thao. “I hope that John Fisher and Dave Kaval are also sick and tired of their uncertainty.

Thao was livid, and she had every reason to be livid. Despite progress in negotiations for a new ballpark at the Howard Terminal in Jack London Square, the A’s were granted permission from Major League Baseball to explore relocation on May 11, 2021.

On April 19, the A’s abruptly ended their negotiations with the City of Oakland for a new ballpark, and expressed their desire to move to Las Vegas. Following years of prolonged ballpark negotiations in Oakland and throughout the Bay Area, the A’s rushed to get a ballpark deal in Las Vegas.

Fisher and A’s President Dave Kaval first tried to jam through a 35,000-seat ballpark at the former site of the Wild Wild West Gambling Hall & Hotel at the beginning of May. After that failed, they set their sights on the Tropicana.

On May 27, renderings, which were later repealed to be fake, were released for a ballpark at the Tropicana site in an effort to jam a funding bill through the Nevada State Legislature. The bill passed in both houses on June 14, and was signed into law by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo the next day.

None of this has deterred the fans. Starting with a reverse boycott at the Oakland Coliseum on June 13, fans have made their voices heard, as they have filled the Coliseum and other ballparks with chants of “SELL THE TEAM.”

A’s fans made their voices heard at the All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on July 11; and with Giants fans on Unite the Bay Night at Oracle Park in San Francisco on July 25. They also got chants of “SELL THE TIME to roar around Coors Field and Dodger Stadium

“If someone tells me one more time that the A’s can’t [fill] the Coliseum, just look at this [room],” said Thao. [It’s] a weekday, and look at all the green and gold in this room. “We were with them through the good years; through the bad years; through five different owners; through roster shakeups; and actual earthquakes,” Thao continued.

Oakland is a baseball town with a lot of history. The colorful A’s of old owner, Charlie Finley, won three-straight World Championships in 1972, 1973 and 1974. They won three-straight American League Pennants from 1988 to 1990, with a world championship in 1989. They went through three unique runs here in the 21st century, highlighted by the Moneyball A’s of the early-to-mid 2000s.

Stephen Ruderman is an Oakland A’s beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal basketball with Michael Roberson: Raynaud and Jones getting some good production

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford’s Spencer Jones (14) shoots against Arizona during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Pac-12 tournament Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

On the Stanford Cardinal basketball podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford Cardinal Maxime Raynaud led with 23 points, 23 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in the Cardinal win over Cal State Northridge on Monday night 88-79 in the season opener on the Hill.

#2 The Cardinal Michael Jones followed up Raynaud in scoring with 20 points, what was also convincing was Stanford scored the last 13 points of the game to put the kibosh on CSUN’s evening.

#3 Michael talk about Brandon Angel who scored 17 points, eight rebounds, and got three blocks for the Cardinal.

#4 Keonte Jones hit a three point shot at 2:59 left in the game that put Northridge up by four but after that the Northridge was 0-4 and the Cardinal scored the rest of the way for the win.

#5 Next up for the Cardinal, Sacramento State Hornets, the Hornets opened up their season against the Nevada Wolfpack on Tuesday and this is their second game. The Cardinal did show a good exhibition of offense in their game against Northridge last Monday.

Join Michael for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: 49ers can do this this Sunday in Jacksonville

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) reaches up to pick off a San Francisco 49ers Brock Purdy (13) pass at Levi Stadium on Sun Nov 5, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the SF 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 David, when you look back on the 49ers last game what are some of the signs did you see where the 49ers struggled in a convincing lose to the Cincinnati Bengals 31-17.

#2 For 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy another struggling game, against the Bengals going 22-31, 365 yards and a touchdown. Purdy got some yards but just could keep up with the Bengals.

#3 The 49ers next opponent the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2) are on a roll they have won their last five games ironically the 49ers started out the season winning their first five games in row. The 49ers had a bye last week and face the Jaguars on their home field how do you see this one playing out?

Join David Zizmor for the 49ers podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Oakland Mayor hoping to sway owners vote with A’s resolution; Schools over Stadiums to appeal Judge’s ruling

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Howard Terminal rendering. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, City Council, and the Port put on a presentation on Tuesday that City Hall hopes to sway some of the MLB owners to vote no on an A’s relocation (Rendering of Howard Terminal from the Oakland Athletics)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, among the Mayor and the City Council goals in adopting a resolution at City Hall. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the City Council are showed the infrastructure of Howard Terminal, the benefits of having a park at the Terminal and something on the drawing board that might change the MLB owners vote. After today’s meeting do you see owner changing they’re minds and giving the A’s a chance to build at Howard Terminal?

#2 Amaury, the odds are starting to dim and Mayor Thao is hoping for a ninth inning rally to stay in the hunt to persuade the owners vote. Thao says that the city does have a plan and budget to build at Howard Terminal but the A’s walked away. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Oakland had no deal hence Manfred and the A’s are ready to open for business in Las Vegas.

#3 Nevada District Judge James Todd Russell ruled in favor of Oakland A’s lobbyists Danny Thompson and Thomas Morely who took Schools over Stadiums to Monday’s court hearing in District court to throw out Schools over Stadiums attempt to put a referendum on the Nov 2024 ballot to stop public funding for a Las Vegas A’s ballpark and that funds should be used to support schools.

#4 Judge Russell said that Schools over Stadiums would have to refile their petition and that Schools over Stadiums would need to use the full text of SB1 or appeal the case to a higher court.

#5 Thompson and Morely didn’t respond to media inquiries for comments. Schools over Stadiums spokesman Alexander Marks made it clear that they will appeal saying the decision was disappointing but not uncommon adding that Schools over Stadiums plans to refile the referendum and that there is plenty of time to refile as the signature deadline is June of 2024.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead radio voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network on 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Pierce brings positive vibe; Players happy about new changes

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Interim head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders Antonio Pierce has a discussion with an on field official during their contest with the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Nov 5, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tony, interim head coach Antonio Pierce brought a new prospective and attitude to the Raiders dressing room and the players responded Sunday with a pretty big win over the New York Giants?

#2 Tony, after two long weeks the Las Vegas Raiders (4-5) are back in the win column ending their two game losing streak with a victory over the New York Giants (2-7) at Allegiant Stadium.

#3 The Raiders got some great work from rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell under center going 16-24 for 209 yards.

#4 The Raiders also got some crucial rushing from running back Josh Jacobs who carried 92 yards, 23 times and with two touchdowns.

#5 The Raiders dominated the Giants on defense only allowing New York to get on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. The Giants had been shutout for three quarters.

#6 The New York Jets (4-4) come calling to Vegas next Sun Nov 12th at Allegiant Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants in their last game on Sun Oct 29 in a narrow field goal difference 13-10. The Jets lost to the Los Angeles Chargers (4-4) on Monday Night Football 27-6 and turn around and head to Allegiant Stadium next Sunday for a short six day week.

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

Cardinal were Bullish Against Visiting Matadors, Pushing through their Cloak and Sword, 88-79

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Stanford Cardinal guard Jared Bynum (1) and forward Maxime Raynaud (42) both finished in double digits against Cal State Northridge at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Mon Nov 6, 2023 (@StanfordMBB photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (1-0, 0-0 Pac-12) Red Attack could not be avoided by the California State University – Northridge Matadors (0-1, 0-0 Big West), as they won a back and forth contest, 88-79.

Stanford got out to an early lead the first couple minutes of the game, but that was short-lived.  CSUN was in front through the bulk of the first half. 

Both teams had eight point leads, while the Matadors managed a 9-0 run and the Cardinal topped that with a 10-0 one of their own.  Although CSUN had the lead three times as long as Stanford, they managed to regain the lead before the end of the first 30 minutes of play.

Stanford senior Brandon Angel and junior Maxime Raynaud both were perfect from the field (4-4) in the first half, scoring 11 and 8 points respectively.  Newcomer and senior guard Jared Bynum also chipped in for his squad, tallying 7 points and 3 assists.

At recess, the home team had a five-point advantage, 43-38.  Stanford had to fight back and overcome the 3:1 ratio of not being the frontrunner, but they managed to take a slightly comfortable lead into the locker room.

Nearly three minutes into the second half, Stanford increased their lead to nine, and was looking to blow the game open.  However, the Matadors still had something under their muleta or cape.

CSUN fought back valiantly twice.  The first occasion they took a 63-62 lead near the midway point (9:43) of the second half.  Approximately four and a half minutes later they climbed the tree again to take a 2-point lead (73-71).

Now with about five minutes left in regulation, the Cardinal had to duplicate their late comeback in the first half leading at the whistle.  Stanford also performed a 13-0 run during the second stanza.

Senior Michael Jones was able to make that process come to fruition a little sooner (2:20) as his deep jumper put them up for good (80-79) and eventually added eight more to win by nine.  After 40 minutes of play, Stanford was the victor on the Farm. 88-79.

The Cardinal had ample contribution from the team.  Raynaud led the way with 23 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks.  The aforementioned Jones had 20 points and Angel blessed the team with 18 points and 7 rebounds.  The new guy Jared Bynum gave 13 points and dropped 7 assists, with 0 turnovers in his Cardinal debut.

Graduate senior De’Sean Allen-Eikens led the Matadors with 22 points and 8 rebounds.

The Cardinal are next in action back at Maples Friday, November 10 (6 pm PDT) hosting Sacramento State.  The Matadors travel to Moscow, Idaho Thursday November 9 (6 pm MST) to take on the Idaho Vandals.

Warriors Back on the Winning Track Beating Pistons 120-109

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser (25) tries to get a pass past Golden State guard Gary Payton (0) in first half action at Little Caesars Pizza Arena in Detroit on Mon Nov 6, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (6-2) got back on track beating the Detroit Pistons (2-6) 120-109 after dropping a game to the Cavaliers Sunday night,. This was a nice warm-up for their upcoming meeting with the NBA Champion Denver Nuggets in their biggest challenge so far this season.

The Warriors took on the Pistons Monday night. The Warriors had to do some more productive work in the paint in this game after falling short in Sunday’s game and a little more success at the line would also be a plus.

Game recap: The Warriors jumped on it to start the first quarter taking a 31-26 lead after the first 12 minutes. They kept the pressure on in the second quarter winning it 25-22 and taking a 56-48 lead into the locker room.

The Pistons refused to go away as the third quarter got underway and they won the quarter 34-27 although the Warriors still had the lead, albeit a minuscule one 83-82 as the quarter came to an end. In the early minutes of the fourth quarter the Pistons took the lead 95-90.

With just under eight minutes left in the game the Warriors took back the lead and although the Pistons pulled close numerous times, they were unable to take the lead again in this game.

Curry finished with the high of 34 points. He scored 16 points in the first 7 1/2 minutes of play and finished at the half with 20 points. There is still some concern regarding the play of Andrew Wiggins who did not score a single point in the first half.

He is without doubt involved in the game but his shots are just not falling. He finished the game with an anemic four points. Moses Moody as well had a quiet night off the bench with only four points.

The Warriors, unlike their last game Sunday, dominated the offensive glass. Golden State had 17 rebounds while the Piston only had seven. Klay Thompson and Chris Paul each had 17 points. The outstanding ball protection that Paul brings had been a real plus for this team. This guy makes a huge difference in games without even scoring points so when he hits shots it’s a real bonus.

Wednesday night, the Warriors will travel to Denver taking on the Nuggets in what may be their most challenging game so far this season. Denver is 6-1 and the Warriors will have to contend with Nikola Jokic which will be no easy feat. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Bears barely edge out Tommies in Season Opener 71-66 at Haas Pavilion

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Haas Pavilion home of the Cal Bears who hosted the St Thomas Tommies on Mon Nov 6, 2023 (photo by Stephen Ruderman)

Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

St. Thomas Tommies 66 (0-1)

California Golden Bears 71 (1–0)

By Stephen Ruderman

BERKELEY–The California Golden Bears beat the St. Thomas Tommies, in a 71-66 in a nail-biting season opener at Haas Pavilion.

Following a brutal 3-29 2022-2024 Campaign, Cal Basketball got their 2023-2024 Season started with new head coach, Mark Madsen at the helm, as they welcomed in the Tommies for the opener.

This was also the debut game for Freshman Vladimir Pavlovic, who has come with a lot of excitement. Pavlovic, a native of Serbia, played for the 18U Serbian National Team, before playing for Hoosac School in Hoosick New York last year.

“Vladimir’s talent, character and basketball IQ make him a great addition to our roster,” Madsen said over the summer, when Pavlovic committed to play for Cal.

The Bears started the game by committing a backcourt violation, and it was just the first of many turnovers Cal gave away. Meanwhile, the Tommies opened with a pair of three-balls. It seemed they shot a third one at the buzzer to open a 9-3 lead, but the call was overturned upon review, as the ball was fired after the buzzer.

St. Thomas’ lead was back down to 6-3, and a pair of threes gave Cal their first lead of the night at 10-8 with over 14 minutes to go in the first period.

Both teams traded threes early on, as Cal led 17-13 with 10:34 remaining in the first period. The two teams were pretty back and forward throughout the first period, as neither team got off to greater than a five-point lead.

Eventually it was a 29-29 game with 2:30 left, as the Bears had a hard time shaking the Tommies off, and Cal led 35-34 at the half.

The second period opened with the teams trading threes, and the Bears giving more turnovers to the Tommies, as well as some fouls mixed in. Cal missed several opportunities, and the Tommies.

Cal led 51-50 half way through the second, as both teams missed several opportunities to pull away.

Pavlovic missed a crucial three with Cal trailing 58-56 with less than seven minutes left in the second, and the Tommies were immediately gifted two points after Cal center, Fardaws Aimag, was called for goaltending.

The Tommies led 62-61 with 3:40 remaining, as the game came down to the wire. It was 64-64 with 1:30 left when Devin Askew was on the receiving end of an offensive foul by the Tommies, which gave Cal the ball.

Another foul sent Jalen Calestine to the line for Cal, but he missed his only free-throw, giving the Tommies the ball with 1:15 left.

Askew laid one in to give Cal a 66-64 lead with less than a minute remaining, and the Tommies were unable to respond, as a foul sent Jalen Cone to the line, and he nailed both shots to expand Cal’s lead to 68-64.

After a lengthy final minute in which the Tommies tried every trick they had, the Bears held on to win 71-66.

Cal has won their season opener for the first time in four years, as they are 1-0, and they will welcome the University of Pacific Tigers for an 8:00 tipoff Friday night.