Cal embarrassed at Haas by Oregon State in 68-48 loss

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Porous defense, non-existent shooting, and inattention to detail… the Cal Bears were guilty across the board on Sunday afternoon.

Coach Mark Fox admitted his team missed the directive regarding an early shot at the end of the first half. That allowed Oregon State to cap a 13-0 run ending the first half with Jordan Pope’s jumper as time expired. And the defense as a whole?

“We have just failed to build a defense,” Fox admitted. “We are really struggling with our ability to keep the ball out of the lane.”

And the offense? Well, at one juncture of the second half, the Bears had more turnovers (11) than made baskets (6). In an unsightly first 20 minutes, the Bears started 3 of 17 and finished 4 of 23 after a scoreless stretch across their final, six possessions.

Add it all up, and Cal may have squandered its best remaining opportunity for a win this season. The visiting Beavers ended a six-game losing streak–and an 18-game road skid–with the easy, 68-48 win in Berkeley.

Early on, the gracious visitors did all they could to keep the Bears attached. With shooting as errant as the hosts, OSU trailed 15-14 with 4:30 remaining in the half. But that all changed in their closing run that picked up steam after the break. After Pope’s layup, Oregon State led 58-30 with 6:25 remaining.

Pope led three OSU starters in double-figures with 19 points. The Beavers’ shooting picked up dramatically with them finishing at 54 percent shooting from the floor, including 13 made threes.

The Bears wilted with 37 percent shooting and just three makes from distance.

Devin Askew returned to the Cal lineup after missing six games with a foot injury. But the team’s leading scorer might have been too aggressive with his shooting given his rust. He finished 2 of 12 from the floor for eight points. Kuany Kuany led Cal with 15.

The Bears next appear at Stanford on Saturday in a matchup of last place teams.

Sharks Shut Out By B’s 4-0; SJ’s fourth loss in five games

Published on by Matthew HarringtonLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks left wing Alexander Barabanov (94) is unable to get the puck past Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) in the second period at TD Garden in Boston on Sun Jan 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks were shut out by the the league leader Boston Bruins 4-0 Sunday from TD Garden, dropping their second game in as many nights to kick off an eight game road trip.

San Jose (14-25-9) managed just 18 shots on goal, failing to slip a puck past Linus Ullmark and a brief appearance by Jeremy Swayman while the starter was getting a skate blade repaired. San Jose managed just five shots in each of the first two periods. The Bruins (37-5-4) have now won 11 in a row against San Jose.

Hampus Lindholm beat James Reimer 7:16 into the first period and fellow defenseman Charlie McAvoy dangled through a trio of Sharks to score his fourth goal of the year 4:08 into the second.

Nick Foligno tipped a puck past James Reimer 7:46 into the second and David Pastrnak scored his 36th of the year on the power play 2:40 into the third.

The Sharks were able to limit the Bruins shot totals, suppressing them to 22 shots though four found their way behind the goalie. They did kill off two penalties, but went 0-for-2 on the power play. 

Up next is another Original Six match up for Team Teal. They face the Detroit Red Wings in Motown on Tuesday. They will then get a steady diet of playoff hopefuls starting with games in Carolina and Pittsburgh before heading to the Allstar Break.

Cardinal women set defensive record in 62-49 win over Colorado

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford forward Francesca Belibi (5) shoots against Colorado center Quay Miller (11) during the first quarter at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Jan 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, January 22, 2023

No. 24 Colorado attempted 66 shots in Sunday’s women’s basketball game against Stanford. The No. 4 Cardinal blocked a school-record 14 of them on their way to a 62-49 Pac-12 win at Maples Pavilion.

With the win, Stanford (19-2 overall, 7-1 Pac-12) took over sole possession of first place in the conference. Along with a dominating defensive effort, the Cardinal also hit 17 of 22 free throws and scored 19 points off turnovers.

Cameron Brink had six of those blocked shots to go with 14 points and five rebounds. Hannah Jump led the Cardinal with 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Haley Jones had 11 points, three assists and a game-high 16 rebounds.

Jaylyn Sherrod was the Buffaloes’ scoring leader with 16 points, followed by Quay Miller with 14 and Aaronette Vonleh with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Colorado (15-4 overall, 5-2 Pac-12). Sherrod also had three steals.

The Cardinal opened the first quarter with a 12-0 run, eventually building a 16-4 lead. Colorado, which trailed by as many as 17, battled back to cut its deficit to 10 in the fourth quarter.

Stanford hosts Oregon State on Friday night.

That’s Amury News and Commentary: Why can Sports be Just Sports?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Philadelphia Flyer Ivan Provorov who did not skate last Tuesday with teammates because of his religious reasons over the pre game Pride Night sweaters. Legal experts say that punishing Provorov for not skating with the team over the Pride sweaters are infringing on his rights. (AP News file photo)

Why can Sports be Just Sports?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

National Hockey League, Philadelphia Flyers defense-man Ivan Provorov was criticized for refusing to wear LGBT colors on his uniform during Pride Night with the Flyers, sitting out their pregame warmups. Provorov cited his religion, Russian Orthodox, as he said: “I respect everybody, everybody’s choice” and “My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion”.

Flyers head coach John Tortorella defended Provorov; “Provy did nothing wrong,” he added. “Just because you don’t agree with his decision, doesn’t mean he did anything wrong.” Provorov did play in the eventual 5-2 win in which the Flyers wore their standard home jerseys, after skipping the warmups.

Most people that pay to see a sporting event (which is not cheap) are there to escape and enjoy themselves, most do not care what a hockey player believes or doesn’t believe, they want to see a good game, a few goals and maybe even a good fight. That’s the truth. Most of the time nobody cares, they are attending and paying good money for a sporting event, and they’re not there to debate sociopolitical issues, if they wanted that, Yale, Harvard or Stanford is the place.

However, things happen in sports that have little to do with sports, here are a few:

In 1967 Muhammad Ali was the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world. On April 28 of that year, with the United States at war in Vietnam, Ali refused to be inducted into the armed forces, saying “I ain’t got no quarrel with those Vietcong.” On June 20, 1967, Ali was convicted of draft evasion, sentenced to five years in prison, fined $10,000, and banned from boxing for three years. Ali was at one time the most recognizable American on the face of the earth, in many countries much more than the President of the United States and Hollywood movie stars.

On August 2016. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat down (took a knee) during the national anthem at an NFL preseason game between the 49ers and the Green Bay Packers. It divided the NFL and the country. Kaepernick said about his action: “It is to protest the injustices that are happening in America, the oppression that is happening in America”. Kaepernick played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, he did not get a chance to play again with the 49ers or any other NFL team after his famous knee.

Perhaps the most famous and memorable incident was during the 1968 Olympic Games in México City. US Athletes John Carlos and Tommie Smith were banned from the US team and the Olympic Village after holding up their fist during the American national anthem from the winner’s podium of the 200-meter. Smith and Carlos protested against racial discrimination in the US.

Enes Kanter Freedom was an NBA player who frequently spoke against the Chinese Communist government (not the people of China) for their repression and human rights abuses against minorities. This is well documented by Amnesty International, a Human Rights non-profit watchdog.

Human rights in China continue to deteriorate, with arbitrary mass detentions, torture, and forced labor against Muslims in various provinces of the country. Also, there is no secret China represents a huge money maker market for the NBA. Enes Kanter (born in Switzerland) became a US citizen last year and added Freedom to his last name.

I am not against protests, we have the right under the First Amendment of the US Constitution to protest, which falls under freedom of speech, as well as freedom of the press or the right for people peaceable to demonstrate. However, in a such complicated world, sports is one area that we should all enjoy, and leave our grievances at home.

During the recent World Cup in Qatar Iran’s soccer players refused to sing their national anthem ahead of the World Cup opening match. These players feared possible execution once they returned home. They were supporting worldwide demonstrations following the death of Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini who was arrested by The Guidance Patrol, the religious morality police of Iran’s government for not wearing the hijab in accordance with government standards. She was killed for that, These Iranian Soccer players showed incredible courage, considering they were facing death when they returned home. One thing is to lose your job, another is to lose your life.

The world is complicated, what’s perfectly legal in the US could cost a person their life in other countries. That is why when we travel abroad we should also make sure we obey the laws of the country we are in. Just like if you get invited to a friend’s house and the host ask you “please do not smoke” it is simply common sense.

We all know what happened with basketball star Brittney Griner in Russia, who was arrested carrying a substance that in Russia is illegal, when she was impassioned for months and used as leverage for a deal with a world famous criminal, all in the middle of a war between Russia and Ukraine.

I have always noticed: In sports, a lot is done in the arena in a short amount of time, but that is not possible with politics, they talk and talk and talk, and takes forever to get results. In the end, when it comes to the world of sports, that is one of the few places in this complicated world where we should be able to forget our problems. That is why I often wonder, Why can Sports be Just Sports?

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

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: How Purdy and Prescott match up in today’s Divisional game

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott (4) threw four touchdowns in his last game and the San Francisco 49ers Brock Purdy (13) threw for three touchdowns in his last game. J Hawkes talks about the Prescott and Purdy match up on the 49ers podcast today. (photo from ESPN)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, one thing you could say about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy he’s keeping his mistake ratio down a 1.6% turnover rate the best mark for a quarterback in 2022 and Purdy didn’t even play the entire season.

#2 Purdy is noted for not having big plays and having a throw rate but with the supporting cast around him it’s no problem and Purdy is getting the job done and making the throws when he has to.

#3 Joe, when you compare Jimmy Garoppolo to Purdy, Garoppolo didn’t protect the ball as much as Purdy so analysts are saying there is no reason why Purdy can’t take this team to the Superbowl.

#4 Purdy’s turnover rate since week 13 through 15th out of 30 quarterbacks not bad for a first year under center and called in in an emergency back on Dec 4th. In Purdy’s last four games his turnover rate had dropped 1.6% which is the best rate in the NFL.

#5 Joe, talk about what the Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott in his last game he handled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throwing 25-33 for 305 yards with four touchdowns. How do you see the Cowboys and Prescott matching up against the 49ers this afternoon.

Joe Hawkes does the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sixers edge Kings 129-127 ends Sac’s six game win streak

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) during the first quarter at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sat Jan 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Saturday night in Sacramento. The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back Saturday night after playing the night before. The Kings faced the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night in Sacramento. The Kings managed to put the Thunder down to the final score of 118-113. The Kings welcomed the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday at 7 PM PST. The Kings fell to the 76ers 129-127 in a tough loss.

In the first quarter, the Kings started the game playing well. The Kings, immediately after tip-off, started to put pressure on the 76ers. The Kings offense started hot with 35 points in the first quarter. Kevin Huerter had seven points in the first quarter to get the Kings going. On the defensive end, the Kings played well. The Kings held the 76ers to 27 points in the first quarter to jump to the early 35-27 lead.

In the second quarter, The Kings continued to play well. Harrison Barnes was on fire from the perimeter in the first half, scoring 17 points. The Kings built a dominant lead early in the second quarter but then lost some of it heading into halftime. The Kings would end the half leading 74-64 after outscoring the 76ers 39-37 in the second quarter. The Kings looked in control of the game but would need to limit mistakes in the second half not to give away the lead.

In the third quarter, the Kings play was atrocious. The Kings fell apart in the third quarter to a 76ers team that was down James Harden and Joel Embiid. The Kings only managed to score 22 points in the third quarter. However, the Kings offensive woes were nothing compared to the defense.

The Kings allowed the 76ers to score 38 points in the third quarter as they rallied back and took the lead going into the final quarter of the game. The Kings and 76ers would go into the fourth quarter with the 76ers leading 102-96. It was a meltdown of historic proportions for the Kings who would look to get back on track in the last quarter of play.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings fought hard but could not come away with a win. The Kings outscored the 76ers 31-27 in the final quarter. However, the 76ers pulled out the 129-127 short-handed victory. It was a tough blow for the Kings who had a commanding lead in the first half just to see it evaporate.

The Kings biggest struggle was on the glass as they were outrebounded almost 2-1. Leading the way for the Kings in defeat was De’Aaron Fox who had 31 points.The 76ers best performance came from Tyrese Maxey who dropped 32 points in the game. The Kings would look to turn the page as they will face a tough opponent on Monday.

Up Next: The Kings welcome the red hot Memphis Grizzlies into Golden 1 Center on Monday at 7 PM PST.

Stanford Cooks Oregon on the Farm to Earn Second Conference Win, 71-64

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Stanford Cardinal forward Harrison Ingram (55) reaches in for the basketball with the Oregon Ducks guard Will Richardson (0) driving the ball at Maples Pavilion at Stanford on Sat Jan 21, 2023 (USA Today photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (7-12, 2-7 Pac-12) roasted the Oregon Ducks (11-9, 5-4 Pac-12) inside the friendly confines of Maples Pavilion, 71-64.

The first half was a tussle with both teams leading at one time, but never in double digits. As a matter of fact Stanford had the largest advantage (9) with a 7-0 run and Oregon possessed a 5-0 run, but only led 3-0 to begin the contest.

The Ducks cut the deficit to one several times, but had to settle for being behind by five at recess, 42-37.

No player on either squad scratched double-figures; however, Cardinal’s senior forward Spencer Jones led his team with eight points, while senior guard Jermaine Couisnard topped the Ducks with nine points after 20 minutes of action.

Part two of the Pacific 12 Battle presented Stanford going on an 8-0 jaunt and ballooning their lead to 13 within the first five minutes of the second 20 minutes of regulation.

Although the Ducks continued to peck away at the lead, the Cardinal stood tall and won the game by seven, 71-64.

Stanford’s three leading scorers each tallied double-figure points: The aforementioned Spencer Jones finished with 16 points, six rebounds and two steals. Sophomore forward Harrison Ingram contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists and also two thefts. Senior guard Michael Jones offered ten points and five rebounds to help sweep both schools from the Beaver State.

Oregon was represented with three players with double-digit scoring and one with that category for rebounds. Jermaine Couisnard paced all scorers (18), senior guard Rivaldo Soares (13) and junior guard Keeshawn Barthele-my (11). Their senior center N’Faly Dante chipped in 9 points and grabbed 14 boards.

Stanford is next in action Wednesday, January 25, as they host a non conference game versus the Chicago State Cougars, while Oregon goes back to Eugene to host the Colorado Buffaloes Thursday, January 26.

Blue Jackets Rally Late to Topple Sharks 5-3

Published on by Matthew HarringtonLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks’ Nick Bonino, left, carries the puck behind the net as Columbus Blue Jackets’ Sean Kuraly defends during the first period at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Sat Jan 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks took the lead 1:53 into the third period, but the Columbus Blue Jackets scored three unanswered goals at home to beat San Jose 5-3 Saturday night. Nick Bonino and Timo Meier scored the Sharks, while Nico Sturm had a team best two points on a goal and an assist.

Kaapo Kahkonen made 24 saves on 28 shots for San Jose (14-24-9), while Joonas Korpisalo made 22 saves on 25 shots for Columbus. five different Blue Jackets (14-30-2) had two-point nights to snap a three-game losing skid, sitting in last place in the league standings with 30 points.

The 3-2 lead wasn’t the first to slip out of the Sharks’ grasp. Meier scored his 27th goal 10:49 into the first period and Bonino doubled the lead 2-0 5:39 into the second on a wrap around. Free agent signing Johnny Gaudreau scored a power play goal  11:19 into the second and Boone Jenner beat Kahkonen on a wrist shot at the 12:31 mark of the middle frame to tie the game.

After Sturm gave the Sharks the 3-2 lead on an unassisted strike, Patrick Laine picked up his 13th goal of the year at the 3:04 mark of the third. Former Shark Gustav Nyquist provided the game-winner at the 12:38 mark with Kent Johnson picking up his second assist of the game on the goal.

Sean Kuraly scored the empty netter with 1:04 left in regulation for the 5-3 final. Gaudreau (1-1-2), Nyquist(1-1-2), Laine (1-1-2) and Nick Blankenburg (0-2-2) were the other multi-pointers for CBJ.

The Sharks go from worst to first in terms of opponents. They head to Boston for a lopsided back-to-back, facing the Bruins at TD Garden Sunday night. James Reimer, fresh off his 200th career victory, is expected to start for San Jose.

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Sharks Karlsson open to trade to a contender; Canucks coach Boudreau could be gone at anytime; plus more NHL news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) works for the puck against Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 at SAP Center in San Jose (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 The San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson says while he likes playing in San Jose he would consider a trade to a team that is going to go deep in the post season. Karlsson came to San Jose from Ottawa back on Sep 13, 2018 and hasn’t played more than 56 games since he was acquired. That said this season Karlsson leads NHL defencemen with 15 goals, 47 assists and 62 points.

#2 Things have not gone so well for the Vancouver Canucks (18-23-3) the Canucks have lost four of their last ten games are sixth place in the Pacific Division. Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau knows all too well that the Canucks have had a rough season and that his time at head coach could be ending soon as saying he doesn’t know what is going on and also saying how great the game is.

#3 Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov who said he could not wear the Pride themed sweater designed for the pre game skate on Tuesday night. Provorov said that he couldn’t wear it for religious reason being a Russian Orthodox. Provorov’s number 9 sweater became the hot seller after the story went viral. Critics of Provorov’s decision not to wear pride sweater said he had no problem wearing a military sweater he wore 2021.

#4 The Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry made his return as netminder on Friday night after missing seven games and stopping 46 shots in the Penguins win over the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Jarry suffered a lower body injury. The Pens have been struggling a bit lately especially after losing defensemen Jeff Petry and Kris Letang who are on the injured list as well.

#5 Max Pacioretty of the Carolina Hurricanes who tore his Achilles tendon last Thursday night had to helped off the ice when he was skating near Minnesota Wild’s end of the ice almost behind the net when he tore the tendon for the second time since he had surgery for it back on Aug 9th. Pacioretty will have a second surgery for it. Pacioretty teammate Brady Skjei said “It definitely put a damper on the win a little bit,”

Join Matt for the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s get a double whammy loss on Howard Terminal with no federal funding and Supreme Court appeals loss on hazard materials push on recycling plant

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Oakland A’s attempts to make Schnitzer Steel an environmental hazardous liability failed when the State Supreme Court ruled that Schnitzer is treating it’s recyclables with water and cement that satisfies their landfill dumping. Could this be a show stopper for the A’s Howard Terminal project? (photo of Howard Terminal by the Port of Oakland)

By Jerry Feitelberg

OAKLAND–This week was a double loss for the Oakland A’s they were turned down for federal funding as ruled by the state Supreme Court as they lost a lawsuit to classify recycling company Schnitzer as a hazardous waste recycler and wanted to get them classified as such.

Last Tuesday a spokesperson for the City of Oakland said that federal funding for the Oakland A’s were denied funds that would help the Oakland A’s Howard Terminal project in the amount of $182 million. The A’s will not receive any of the monies from the federal Transportation Department’s Megaprojects.

According to the Oakland Department of Transportation director Fred Kelly the city will continue to explore other avenues in trying to secure funding sources. Kelly said that he and the city will look for sources that will help finance and get the project off the ground. The A’s goal is not only a new ball park at Howard Terminal but also development for 3,000 residential units, commercial space, retail, an indoor performance center, 400 hotel rooms, and public space.

The City of Oakland has secured government grants amounting $321.5 million that would help pay for the infrastructure. The $321.5 million is still short as the city sought funding, $55 million for regional grants, $25 million for other federal grants, and $60 million in state grants.

The City is also seeking a limited obligation bond for $150 million. Kelly’s efforts in seeking another $182 million is crucial for the funding of the project and Kelly will have to find what government agency who will be willing to kick in.

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said is committed to keeping the A’s in Oakland and said during her inauguration that she wants to keep the A’s rooted in Oakland and wants to protect Oakland’s values. Sheng did say that she hopes the A’s and the city can reach an agreement that safeguards the tax payer and the city.

With the federal department of transportation turning down the A’s for the $182 million the A’s lost a Supreme court appeal decision on Wednesday that would reclassify car recycling company Schnitzer who are located next to Howard Terminal as a hazardous materials outfit that are a environmental threat which deposits hazardous materials in landfills. Schnitzer recycles unused and junked automobiles.

The state department of Toxic Substances Control said that the mix of recyclables of scrap metal, plastics, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc has been made safely for landfill deposit as the recycler mixes the material with cement and water which acts a cover over soil in landfill. The A’s argue that materials mixed next to the ball park and Howard Terminal project is a environmental threat being next door.

The First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco found that the recycled material is not a threat and did not contaminate air or water and does not threaten humans. The Department of Toxic Substances Control reviewed the study and said that the recycled materials in the landfill that was treated with the water and cement did not bear any threat to people near the plant or landfill.

The A’s main goal to building the project is to move Schnitzer out of Howard Terminal but Schnitzer whose been at the Howard Terminal location for decades does not want the A’s at the location likewise. Schnitzer with cargo operators, port workers, and truckers have filed lawsuits saying their businesses are not an environmental threat. Alameda County Superior Court Judge Brad Seligman ruled on lawsuits back in September saying safety measures are in use and that the work that Schnitzer does doesn’t contribute to air pollution.

The state of Nevada’s newly elected governor Joe Lombardo has not made it clear where he stands on using state public funds to bring the A’s to Las Vegas. Previous governor Steve Sisolak said he would not use public funds for the A’s ballpark but would consider using other avenues to fund the project. Sisolak was voted out of office and Lombardo has been quiet about funding the A’s stadium project.

Lombardo who has been more focused on other political issues like abortion, immigration and catalytic converter thefts. If Lombardo follows Sisolak’s method of using other ways to find money to pay for a new ballpark that could put the A’s funding in play. The A’s have been silent on any commitments on moving to Las Vegas as both scenarios for staying in Oakland and moving to Las Vegas are not quite clear.

The A’s have spent plenty of money on lawyers to move to Howard Terminal already. The A’s most likely location to move to in Las Vegas is at the Tropicana hotel and casino site on the strip but that might have to be done with private money. The A’s will be playing in Las Vegas’ minor league ballpark of their affiliate the Aviators March 4th and 5th and will evaluate the crowds for that weekend and where they go from there.