Stanford Ambushed by San Diego State at Maples 74-62

San Diego State forward Jaedon LeDee, left, knocks the ball away from Stanford forward Maxime Raynaud (42) during the first half at Maples Pavilion Tue Nov 15, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD–The Stanford Cardinal (1-2) were under attack the entire 40 minutes by the visiting #19 San Diego State Aztecs (3-0) and captured Maples Pavilion, 74-62.

“We knew coming in it would be a battle,” said Stanford Head Coach Jerod Haase. “We would have to play our A-Game to be able to get there. I don’t think we played our A-Game, but I also think they deserve a lot of credit for playing really well.”

The Aztecs didint care that the Cardinal was just returning from the Midwest tangling with a team from the Power 5 Big Ten.

Stanford never led in the first half, and trailed by as much as 17 points during the initial 30 minutes of play. 41-30 SDSU.

The Aztecs converted six threes, contributing to their double-digit advantage over the Cardinal.

The home team managed to get their deficit to single-digits (6) a few times in the second stanza, but the Aztecs were on the defensive to be victorious.

San Diego State pushed the lead to 12 points by the sound of the final buzzer. 74-62 SDSU.

The Cardinal was led by senior forward Spencer Jones with 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks, while sophomore teammate Harrison Ingram also chipped in 11 points and four rebounds.

Spencer expressed his feelings on his all around game, “I’ve always felt my defense has been getting better and better every year; this year is no different. I try to lead my team defensively and offensively. I give my best effort on each end. I’ll do whatever I can to make this team win.”

The Aztecs had three players in double figures: Senior forward Jaedon LeDee dropped 14 points and four rebounds; junior guard Lamont Butler committed 11 points and six assists; Oakland native and San Leandro High star, Keshad Johnson put 11 points on the scoreboard.

Stanford will next be in action Friday, November 18, hosting Cal Poly, while San Diego State heads back down south to host Ohio State, Monday, November 21.

Reimer, Sharks Win 3rd In A Row, Trounce Vegas 5-2

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) defends against San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic (44) during second period action at T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Tue Nov 15, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks embarked on a tough four-game road trip that realistically could have resulted in four losses given how the season started. Instead, San Jose is on a three-game winning streak, having beaten stout competition in Dallas, Minnesota and their latest triumph, a 5-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights

Luke Kunin picked up his 100th career NHL point, Timo Meier scored the game-winner on the power play and James Reimer made 24 saves to lead San Jose (6-9-3) past the Pacific Division Leaders after trailing 2-1 after two periods. Erik Karlsson had a pair of assists, Logan Couture had a goal and an assist and Matt Nieto scored his second goal of the year.

Jack Eichel scored his 10th goal of the season for Vegas and Jonathan Marchessault lit the lamp in the loss for Vegas (13-4-0). The Sharks went 1-for-2 on the power play and killed off all 3 Golden Knights power plays.

Nieto tied the game 2-2 1:03 into the third when four Vegas skaters all seemed to be deked out by Alexander Barabanov below the goal line. They expected Barabanov to rim the puck around, opening the slot for Nieto for an easy unmarked goal. Timo Meier gave the Sharks the late lead on the power play at the 17:12 mark, his 8th goal of the year.

The Sharks had just killed off a high-sticking minor at the 14:10 mark before Reilly Smith was sent off for tripping. Couture, who assisted on the Meier goal, also scored an empty netter. Mario Ferraro scored the second empty-netter for the blow out win.

Vegas got on the board first, with Jack Eichel continue his superstar turn in 2022. He was wide open for a cross-crease pass with just 4 seconds left in the first period to give the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead. The goal was a result of a turnover from Nick Cicek who was making his NHL debut with Radim Simek out with an upper body injury.

Kunin scored his milestone goal 8:05 into the 2nd period to tie the game 1-1 after picking up a Karlsson rebound and ripping a shot home. The play was kept alive by Nico Sturm’s forechecking effort to force a Vegas gaffe, good for a secondary assist.

Marchessault beat Reimer with 4:07 left in the period for a 2-1 lead, but he’d be stellar otherwise. After entering the season in a goalie share system, Reimer has emerged as the team’s starter, manning the pipes for all three wins.

The Sharks return home 6 points richer to welcome the emerging Detroit Red Wings Thursday night. After that, they’ll welcome the New York Rangers Saturday and the Ottawa Senators Monday in a three-game homestand.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Will new Nevada governor be open to using public money for new A’s stadium

Oakland A’s president David Kaval said the deadline has been set for December for the City of Oakland to decide on a new Howard Terminal in downtown Oakland (AP News file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury in your latest column you talked about newly elected governor Joe Lombardo and whether he would approve public money to bring the Oakland A’s to Nevada he hasn’t talked about which way he’s leaning on public support for the A’s.

#2 Nevada governor Steve Sisolak did support funding for the Raiders to the tune of $750 million, Sisolak supported the Vegas Golden Knight, Las Vegas Aces, and Formula 1 Grand Prix. Sisolak was not in favor of using tax money to build an A’s stadium.

#3 MLB scheduled two pre season games on Mar 4 and 5 at the Triple A minor league Aviators Stadium between the Oakland A’s and Cincinnati Reds in what can be called a show case game in the possible future of an A’s move.

#4 In the meantime the Oakland’s mayors race is neck and neck between Loren Taylor who is leading Sheng Thao with thousands of votes yet to be counted. Probably (whomever wins) wants to keep the A’s in Oakland. 

#5 A’s team president David Kaval left little doubt that if there no decision on the A’s Howard Terminal Stadium by December the Oakland stadium proposal will be dead.

Join Amaury does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders got booed by own fans; Is Vegas head coach McDaniels on the hot seat?

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Nov 13, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 After the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) loss on Sunday 25-20 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas the Raider fans booed the team off the field and some fans yelled at Raiders owner Mark Davis to fire Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels not quite the exit the Raiders wanted.

#2 McDaniels to say the least is under media and fan scrutiny for the 2-7 start and said during his post game press conference that the trouble and the loses start with him.

#3 Davis told the media that the Raiders did an extensive search for a new coach in the off season and said that he’s building an organization and that Rome wasn’t built in day.

#4 Talk show hosts and reporters say that Raider quarterback Derek Carr who teared up during the post game press conference after last Sunday’s game sounded like he was looking at the end. There was also mention that there might be a strong quarterback class coming out of the draft next season.

#5 The Raiders are headed for Denver (3-6) for this Sunday’s contest. The Broncos lost four of their last five games and lost by a touchdown to the Tennessee Titans 17-10. Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson hasn’t been world beater can the Raiders stop him this Sunday?

Join Tony Renteria for the Raiders podcast heard Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors rout Spurs 132-95; Golden State makes that 3 wins out of last four

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole scores against the San Antonio Spurs at the Chase Center on Mon Nov 14, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors welcomed the San Antonio Spurs to the Chase Center Monday night. The Spurs, in rebuild mode, came to town with a record of six wins and seven losses. Most of the players on the Spurs’ team are not well known. Head coach Greg Popovich is in the process of remaking his team so they can get back into the playoffs.

The Warriors, smarting from a loss last night to the Sacramento Kings, needed to win at home. The Warriors have had problems on defense this year. They have also committed too many fouls and too many turnovers. The team would rest Klay Thompson, too. Steve Kerr inserted Jordan Poole into the starting lineup, and the move paid off. The Warriors broke the game open in the second quarter and cruised to an easy 132-95 win.

The Warriors got a hot start for the second game in a row. For the second time, they fell behind 20-19 when San Antonio went on a 16-5 run. It would be the only time in the game that San Antonio had the lead. The Warriors, behind Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody, paced the Warriors offense to give them a 33-26 advantage after the first 12 minutes. Poole knocked down 14 points in the quarter.

The Warriors won the second quarter 28-19 to finish the first half leading 61-45. Stephen Curry, Poole, Kuminga, Wiggins, and Moody led the way. Curry finished the half with ten points. Poole had 19, Wiggins eight, Kuminga seven, and Moody six. None of the Spurs’ starters were in double figures.

The Warriors put the game out of reach in the third quarter. The Warriors outscored the Spurs 38-23 to end the quarter leading, 99-68. The Warriors were playing their most complete game of the year. The offense was clicking. The Warriors did not foul. They did not turn the ball over, and their defense was excellent. Kerr replaced his starters, and the second unit played the entire fourth quarter. The reserves still outscored the Spurs 33-27 to win 132-95.

Game Notes: With the win, the Warriors are 6-8 and have won three of the last four games. The Spurs are now 6-8, too.

Poole had his best game of the year. In 27 minutes of action, Poole scored 36 points and connected on five threes. Anthony Lamb was second on the team, with 17 points. Lamb made five threes. Curry had 16, Kuninga 15, Moody 11, and Wiggins ten. 

The Warriors shot 53% from the floor. They made 23 threes in 45 tries. The team recorded 35 assists. 

San Antonio’s leading scorer was Kelden Johnson, with 15 points. Jeremy Sochan and Keita Bates-Diop each had 12, and Josh Richardson, coming off the bench, had ten. The Spurs shot 36% from the floor and were ten-for-40 from three-point range. The Spurs outrebounded the Warriors 64-48.

The Warriors travel to Phoenix to face the Suns Wednesday night. The Warriors hope to get their first win on the road this year. The game starts at 7 pm.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Nevada Election could Impact the A’s move

Nevada Governor elect Joe Lombardo takes center stage at Rancho High School in Las Vegas on Mon Nov 14, 2022 he was elected governor the next day and the question remains will he publicly finance an Oakland A’s move with public money to come to Las Vegas? (AP News photo)

Nevada Election could Impact the A’s move

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Joe Lombardo (R) beat Steve Sisolak (D) to become the new governor of the State of Nevada. Sisolak (who lost) was a strong proponent of Southern Nevada’s $750 million subsidy to help build the Raiders stadium just west of the Strip. Sisolak aired two TV commercials highlighting his support for the Raiders, Las Vegas Aces, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix set for November 2023.

Sisolak was not in favor of using tax money in order to help the A’s built their new stadium in Las Vegas. Even with the emphasis on sports growth in Las Vegas in his political spots, the sports theme was not enough to put Sisolak over the top. But, as much as Sisolak was a strong proponent for Southern Nevada’s advancement in the professional sports world, it was the former Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (Republican) who triggered the Raiders stadium project as he created the Las Vegas tourism panel that basically build the new stadium where the Raiders now play. In Las Vegas it is believed Sandoval and not Sisolak was the driving force for the big sports scene in Las Vegas.

So now a new governor takes over in Nevada. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, he was previously a Sheriff. Lombardo has not made any comments on how he stands as far as the Oakland A’s moving to Las Vegas, but it is believed he is not opposed to the idea.

Governments using public dollars for sports venues that help private sports teams are non-partisan public policy debates and transcend traditional political party talking points. Some Republicans and some Democrats support using public subsidies for sports stadiums and arenas and others oppose it. In other words, this is a regional situation, which has little to do with national policies regarding the two main political parties and their philosophies. This is more business than politics.

We will know sooner than later, what Mr. Joe Lombardo’s opinion is regarding the possible move of the Oakland A’s to Las Vegas, Nevada. If Lombardo is in favor of using tax money to help the A’s new stadium in Las Vegas, that would be a “game changer” and could move the needle for the A’s packing their bags to Sin City.

Meanwhile here in Oakland, there still has not been a decision who is the new Mayor of Oakland. Loren Taylor is leading Sheng Thao with thousands of votes yet to be counted. Probably (whomever wins) wants to keep the A’s in Oakland. Libby Schaff who is leaving, supports both of them as she believes they both want to keep the A’s in Oakland.

One thing is for sure, like A’s President Kaval had said in the past, if by this December the Howard Terminal project is not green lit by the City of Oakland, the project is all but dead. Now new leadership in Nevada regarding this issue is unknown but could impact the A’s move. Elections in Nevada, elections in Oakland, like somebody once said “timing is everything”.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears football podcast with Morris Phillips: In order to beat Stanford, Cal needs to drum up some offense; Big Game this Saturday on tap at Cal

Cal Bears quarterback Jack Plummer looks for an intended receiver against the Oregon State Beavers at Corvallis on Sat Nov 12, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris:

#1 A 38-10 Cal Bears (3-7) loss at Oregon State (7-3) on Saturday was the team’s sixth in a row dating back to September 24 when the Bears improved to 3-1 by blowing out Arizona.

#2 The five losses that followed were competitive at some point during the four quarters. That wasn’t the case against the Beavers on a cold, misty night in Corvallis.

#3 Cal trailed at the half 21-7 after their offense hit a new low with just 53 yards of total offense before the break. The visitors fell in a deeper hole when Oregon State scored on their first two possessions in the third quarter to lead 31-7.

#4 “We haven’t played up to the standard that we’ve set as a team,” coach Justin Wilcox said. “We haven’t coached well enough, we haven’t played well enough. It is totally unacceptable.”

#5 Stanford and Cal match up for the Big Game this Sat at Cal Berkeley a 2:30pm kick off who’ll get the Ax this season?

Join Morris for the Cal Bears podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors continue to struggle on the road remain winless

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket past Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Nov 13, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, Golden State Warriors (5-8) still without a road win they took another road loss last night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento against an improved Sacramento Kings (6-6) team losing by seven points 122-115.

#2 Even key stars of the Warriors guard Stephen Curry and forward Draymond Green had a tough time defending Kings star player Domantas Sobonis who ended up with a triple double in the contest.

#3 The Warriors played well enough to win they got scoring production from Curry 27 points, Andrew Wiggins 26 and Jordan Poole with 18 points despite the effort it’s just got to be frustrating working hard but going empty handed.

#4 The Warriors had a tough time defending Sobonis who wound up on the top of the leaderboard with 26 and De’Aaron Fox who finished second in scoring with 22 points.

#5 The Warriors will return home to the Chase Center for a battle with the San Antonio Spurs Monday night at 7:00pm. The Spurs had lost five straight games before winning their last game against the mighty Milwaukee Bucks Friday 111-93 in San Antonio. Barbara tell us how you see the Spurs and Warriors matching up tonight?

Join Barbara for Warriors podcasts each Monday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Sabonis leads in scoring as Kings shut down Golden State 122-115 at Golden 1

Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (center) can’t be stopped by the Golden State Warriors top star players forward Draymond Green (left) and guard Stephen Curry at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Nov 13, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night as they welcomed in the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors last played on Friday night as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at home. The Kings also last played on Friday in Los Angeles when they beat the Lakers.

On Sunday, it looked to be a fun matchup. The World Champion Warriors were taking on the upstart Sacramento Kings in Golden One Center at 6 PM PST. Game result was a 122-115 win for the Kings. The Warriors remain with a winless road record.

In the first quarter, the Kings didn’t look great. They didn’t play any defense, and the offense couldn’t pick up the difference. In a dismal first quarter, the Kings gave up 39 points to the Warriors, who started the night with a hot shooting hand. The Kings only scored 26 points in the first quarter. Warriors guard Stephen Curry continued his shooting terror, starting the game by scoring 13 in the first.

In the second quarter, the Kings played much better. It was almost a complete role reversal for the Kings. The Kings played solid defense and held the Warriors to only 23 points in the second quarter. On the other hand, the Kings offense came alive and scored 38 on the Warriors in the second.

The Kings were led in the first half by Keegan Murray and Malik Monk, who had 13 and 12, respectively. Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors in the first half, scoring 18 points. The Kings would lead the Warriors heading into halftime 64-62. The Kings would look to close out the Warriors in the second half but could Curry light a fire under the Warriors and lead them back?

In the third quarter, both teams fought tooth and nail. Neither team could seem to figure out the defensive end of the floor. The offense seemed to be getting to most of the spots they wanted. The Kings managed to outscore the Warriors for the second quarter in a row, 34-29 in the third. The Kings showed poise and avoided the third-quarter meltdown. Could the Kings close out the defending champs? The Kings entered the final quarter of action leading 98-91.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings started to lose control of the game. The Kings had played well in the second half until they started to get sloppy with the ball and commit mental mistakes. The Kings committed a series of bad offensive fouls that seemed to turn the tide in the game.

However, De’Aaron Fox was able to lead the Kings to victory in the second half. The Kings managed to defeat the Warriors in a seven point victory. It was an excellent show from the Kings against the defending champs to not give in after halftime and close out the win. The Kings were led by an incredible performance from Domantas Sabonis, who had 26-22-8 for his line. Fox finished the game with 22 points leading the Kings back into momentum in the final quarter.

Up Next: The Kings stay home at Golden 1 to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday at 7 PM PST

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: At 81 years old Pete Rose asks for another chance to get into the Hall

Former Cincinnati Red and Philadelphia Phillie Pete Rose doffs his cap to the Citizen’s Bank in Philadelphia crowd on Sun Aug 7, 2022 at an alumni event. Rose has asked MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred this week to forgive him and allow him the chance to get back into baseball in a letter to Manfred’s office. (AP News photo)

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Former Cincinnati Red great and lifetime banned player Pete Rose has asked for forgiveness and one more chance for enshrinement in to baseball’s hollowed Hall of Fame. Rose who was banned for life for betting on baseball and betting on his team as a manager of the Reds in a letter sent to Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred this week pleading to allow Rose one more chance to end the lifetime ban and allow him a shot at getting elected into the Hall of Fame.

Rose since being banned by the late baseball Commissioner Bart Giamatti back in 1989. Giamatti at the time made clear that there was no way he would consider the MLB all time hits leader a chance at forgiveness and a way back into baseball and into the Hall of Fame.

It’s been nearly 33 years since the ban and Rose is 81 years old and wrote asking Manfred to consider reinstating him back into the National Pastime saying: “I am writing today for three reasons,” Rose wrote this week “First, because at my age I want to be 100% sure that you understand how much I mean it when I say that I’m sorry. Second, to ask for your forgiveness. And third, because I still think every day about what it would mean to be considered for the Hall of Fame.”

Rose since his confession of betting on baseball and the lifetime ban had said in the letter that he let his father down and his former manager Sparky Anderson down that he thinks about it everyday and that was one of the biggest disappointments in his life. Rose stated that besides spending time with his partner and his kids as his life’s greatest joy he would like to have the chance to get back to the ball park with the fans and spend time with his former teammates.

Rose said that he has spent the last 33 plus years soul searching and expressed his deepest regret for gambling on baseball and his team the Reds when he was the manager of the club. Rose basically is saying that he’s in his early 80s and would like to be forgiven, given another chance from Manfred and he could be a positive influence in baseball if the ban were lifted. In the sports hobby despite the lifetime baseball ban Pete Rose’s artifacts are hot commodities, baseball cards, signed pennants, gloves, bats, his rookie card from 1963 commands an asking price in mint condition at $40,000.

Rose has appeared at baseball card shows and has commanded some of the longest wait times for signatures of some of the top Major League players. Rose is serving a lifetime ban from baseball with eight other MLB players who were on the 1919 Chicago White Sox better know as the Black Sox who were accused of betting and throwing the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. The eight men out from that 1919 White Sox team, Had Felsch, Chuck Gandil, Ed Cicotte, Joe Jackson, Buck Weaver, Swede Risberg, Fred McMullin, and Claude Williams.

During the steroid era the players from that time who are not banned from baseball but seldom have been invited back to join their old teams for special festivities and honors. None of the steroid era players have been elected to the Hall of Fame but could be by a special committee namely Barry Bonds, Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa are names as possible candidates through a special committee called the Today’s Game Committee.

As Rose might be watching Bonds, Schilling, Clemens and Sosa get elected into the Hall of Fame he might still be waiting on the sidelines for that one chance he was asking for to get inducted into the game’s hollowed halls.

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