Does a NBA team need a star

By

-

March 16, 2019

NBA 2019: DENVER NUGGETS vs LOS ANGELES LAKERS MAR 06 — Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. on March 06, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Tobias Harris (34) during the Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on January 18, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

As the smoke and hype settles down from the NBA trade deadline and teams are trying to make runs at a playoff spot some teams came out of the deadline without a star player. But that brings up a question every NBA fan has pondered, do you need star to make the playoffs?

Comparing two teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers would not be fare. So this is going to be a comparison of the Los Angeles Clippers and their no star team currently seeded 8th in the Western Conference Standing against hometown rivals Los Angeles Lakers with their plethora of star talent currently seeded 11th.

Coming out of the trade deadline the Clippers traded away Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, Mike Scott for Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, 2021 1st round pick, 2021 2nd round pick, 2023 2nd round pick.

Montrezl Harrell (*5) during the* Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on February 25, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

On the trade deadline the Clippers had traded Averley Bradley for JaMychal Green and Garrett Temple of the Memphis Grizzlies. Then traded Mike Muscala for Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Clippers later waived Milso Teodosic, Martin Gortat, Michael Beasley.

The Lakers walked out of the trade deadline with Reggie Bullock after a trade with the Detroit Pistons for Svi Mykhailiuk, 2021 2nd round pick. Then on the deadline traded Mike Muscala to the Clippers.

From the end of the trade deadline comparing the shooting stats through February the Clippers were behind the Lakers in three of the four percentiles, the Lakers led in Field Goal percentage 45.7% to 40.8%; 3 point percentage 34% to 22.7%; 2 point percentage 51.8% to 45.4%; the Clippers only led in one category free throw percentage 76.2% to 68.6%.

SGA (2) being guarded by Clay Thompson during the Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on January 18, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

In March as teams focus on making the playoffs and newly teamed players find their roles percentages switch as the Clippers now lead in three of the four percentiles 48% to 47.6% in field goal percentage; 44.8% to 28% in 3 point percentage; 74.4% to 70.7% in free throw percentage; the Lakers only lead in 2 point percentage with a margin of 58.7% to 49.3%.

As of now through the first two months of play the Lakers have been hit with injuries. But combining the two averages in the months since the trade deadline the Clippers still hold a three to four advantage leading in field goal percentage 48.6% to 46.6%; 3 point percentage 38.2% to 31.2%; 77.5% to 69.5% in free throw percentage; the Lakers still lead in 2 point percentage by a slimmer margin of 55% to 48.4%.

Injured LeBron James during a stop in play on the court. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The playoff race is coming to a close with 13 games left in the preseason, the Clippers as of now have the 8th seed with the Lakers looking for a way to shoot themselves back into the bracket but injuries hold them off.

USC Trojans turnover the victory to No 1 seed Washington

By

Eric Ramos

-

March 14, 2019

PAC-12 Basketball Tournament USC Trojans vs Washington Huskies at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Jonah Mathews making a move during the PAC-12 Basketball Tournament USC Trojans vs Washington Huskies at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Las Vegas, NV – USC junior guard Jonah Mathews drained a three-pointer with 1:10 remaining to cut No.1 seeded Washington’s lead, 72-71. The Huskies took a six-point lead on a three-pointer by Dominic Green and a breakaway dunk by Matisse Thybulle. The Trojans tried to setup a tying shot in the final seconds but Nick Rakocevic threw the ball away.

Washington held off the Trojans in a 78-75 win in the Pac-12 tournament quarterfinals Thursday in Las Vegas.

“We obviously made a few mistakes in the last two and a half, three minutes, like we have many times this season,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “Our players play hard. But our margin of error is so small that those crucial moments, whether it’s a turnover, defensive stop, made shot, free throw or last second shot haven’t gone our way this year.”

The Trojans came back from being down by double digits but could not make plays when they needed and the Huskies defense clamped down. Washington made 13-of-28 from three-point range to stay ahead of the USC.

“USC just kept coming back. You have to give them a lot of credit. They kept fighting back, fighting back,” Washington coach Mike Hopkins said. “Our guys showed a lot of resiliency.”

Rakocevic, Mathews and Kevin Porter Jr. each scored 17 points to help the Trojans keep it close. Washington’s Jaylen Nowell scored 24 points and David Crisp added 18 points.

Washington hit seven three’s to jump out to a 29-18 lead in the first half. USC went on an 8-1 run to pull within four but the Huskies utilized a 10-2 run to take a 12-point lead. Porter nailed a buzzer-beating three as the Trojans trailed 43-38 heading into halftime.

The top-seeded Huskies will play Oregon in the final Saturday after a 66-60 win over Colorado in the semifinals.

GUSTAFSON SCORES 45 IN IOWA’S B1G TOURNAMENT WIN

By

Chris Tulley

-

March 11, 2019

Women's Basketball 2019: Maryland vs Iowa MAR 10 — Women's BIG TEN Tournament 2019:Maryland vs Iowa at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 10, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Women’s BIG TEN Tournament 2019:Maryland vs Iowa at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 10, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

INDIANAPOLIS — The women’s B1G tournament favorite, the Terrapins of Maryland, were picked apart by Megan Gustafson and the rest of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

No. 2 Iowa( 26-6) defeated no.1 Maryland (28-4) 90-76 for the Hawkeyes’ third conference title.

Gustafson was voted the Most Outstanding player of the tournament and set a championship game record with 45 points, half of the team’s total. This was her second tournament 40 point game, another record for the Big Ten. Her 48 points in last year’s tournament is the current high in scoring.

“Every time is special. I mean, these guys, this is a bond that we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives,” Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder said after her team’s win. “They will always be Big Ten champs, and we will always carry this journey together, and that is something nobody can take away from us ever.”

Gustafson came into the tournament knowing her team was capable of winning. “I wanted to win a Big Ten championship. That was it. … This is what I wanted coming to Iowa. I wanted a Big Ten championship. I just couldn’t be more proud of how our team played, and it’s a dream come true. That’s for sure.”

Women’s BIG TEN Tournament 2019: Kaila Charles #5 driving passed #10 Megan Gustafson for 2 of her 36points during the Maryland vs Iowa at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 10, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Not to be forgotten, Maryland finished the regular season with a B1G-best 28-4 record. Kaila Charles was responsible for 36 points for the Terrapins, shooting 15-30 from two-point range and 6/7 from the free throw line.

Iowa’s first period performance put them in position to stay ahead of Maryland throughout the game. From trailing 0-5 in the first minutes, Iowa at one point led 9-21. Hannah Stewart and Gustafson were the main fuel in the 15-25 lead to end the first period.

Maryland then doubled its 15 points in the second period, outscoring Iowa 30-25. By the halftime buzzer, the scoreboards read Iowa 51, Maryland 45. Iowa was making 63.3 percent of its shots in the first half, compared to Maryland’s 48.6 percent. Maryland was working hard to stay within striking distance of the Hawkeyes, but would not lead the game again.

Though Iowa lost 15 turnovers to Maryland’s 16, the Hawkeyes scored twice as many points off turnovers.

Iowa’s lowest scoring period was the third. Gustafson and Kathleen Doyle were the only two scorers and combined for 18 points. Both teams focused on scoring from the baseline as no long range shots landed in the third.

In the final period, Maryland refused to back down despite growing point difference. Iowa was sent to the line for 12 shots and made 10 of them. Tania Davis went 6/6 from the foul line to extend the lead for Iowa’s 14 point win.

Maryland won the rebound game in the fourth period, but only landed 37.5 percent of its shots.

“[It] just continues to speak volumes of Kaila and just her will to win,” Maryland coach Brenda Frese said of Charles’ team-leading performance. “Her competitiveness could not to be denied.”

Women’s BIG TEN Tournament 2019: Megan Gustafson #10 with the jump hook over #34 Brianna Fraser for 2 of her 45 points during the Maryland vs Iowa at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 10, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

“She’s just that good. I mean, she’s just that good,” Frese said of Gustafson. “The first time we played them, we tried to run a lot of triangle-and-two and different looks at her, and it didn’t pay off. All the supporting cast hurt us. And again tonight, just trying to figure out who you couldn’t guard. I just think Iowa is a great team. You know, if you stop one, they know how to go to their other options.”

Women’s BIG TEN Tournament 2019: Congrats Iowa you are now Big Ten ChampionMaryland vs Iowa at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 10, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

SCORES BY QUARTER

IOWA: 25 26 18 21 – 90

MD: 15 30 15 16 – 76

IOWA: STEWART 3 0 2/2 8; GUSTAFSON 17 0 11/14 45; MEYER 0 2 1/2 7; DAVIS 1 1 9/10 14; DOYLE 4 1 2/2 13; SEVILLIAN 0 1 0/0 3.

MD: JONES 2 0 0/0 4; LEWIS 2 0 1/2 5; CHARLES 15 0 6/7 36; MIKESELL 2 0 2/2 6; WATSON 1 2 0/0 8; AUSTIN 2 0 2/2 6; FRASER 0 0 2/4 2; VUJACIC 1 1 0/0 5; OWENS 2 0 0/0 4.

Bruins win the Crosstown showdown at Dodgers Stadium

By

Eric Ramos

-

March 10, 2019

Los Angeles, CA – USC (5-9) led by one in the seventh inning when the UCLA baseball team (11-3) scored two runs on a pair of miscues by the Trojans. The Bruins took a 5-4 lead on a throwing error to first base.

UCLA’s bullpen pitched three scoreless innings and the No. 2 Bruins came back from a four-run deficit to defeat USC, 7-5, Sunday in the Dodger Stadium College Baseball Classic.

“That’s a tough loss,” USC head coach Dan Stubbs said. “Anytime you have the No. 2 team in the country on the ropes early and can’t finish it off is a tough one.”

Freshman right hander Jesse Berger was knocked out of the game after two innings, giving up four earned runs on six hits. After USC jumped all over Bergin early, the UCLA bullpen allowed only one run the rest of the way.

“Our bullpen calmed the game down for us, and that was good,” UCLA head coach John Savage said. “You gotta give them a lot of credit, gave up one run through six. We put some good at-bats together and it was good job of bouncing back this weekend after losing on Friday.”

USC got on the board first with a solo home run by leadoff batter Blake Sabol in the first inning. The Trojans took a 3-0 lead in the second inning on Ben Ramirez’ two-run RBI single.

After USC shortstop Chase Bushor smacked a double to left center, Matthew Acosta singled to score Bushor giving the Trojans a 4-0 lead in the third inning.

“We watched film on their pitcher Bergin earlier today and we made a plan of attack,” Sabol said. “Coach Curtis, in that first at bat he told me, hey early in the game he likes to come inside on lefties so don’t be surprised and let it loose if you need to.”

UCLA junior Ryan Kreidler extended his hit streak to 14 games with a 2-run RBI base hit to right field. The ball got passed Preston Hartsell, allowing two runs to come in and cut the USC lead, 4-3 in the bottom of the third inning.

The Bruins opened the seventh inning with a leadoff walk from Jarron Silva. Sophomore right fielder Garrett Mitchell got on base with a single through the right side. UCLA tied it, 4-4, on a passed ball that brought in Silva from third base.

In the eighth inning, UCLA made it a three-run game after Matt McLain’s two-run double. USC added a run in the final inning.

“It was a hard-fought game,” Savage said. “It really could have gone either way but we were fortunate to come out with the win.”

Women’s B1G Tournament ready to crown a champion

By

Chris Tulley

-

March 9, 2019

Women's Basketball 2019: Indiana vs Iowa MAR 08 — Women's BIG TEN Tournament 2019: Indiana vs Iowa at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 08, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Women’s BIG TEN Tournament 2019:#5 Kaila Charles blows past #5 Kayla Robbins for 2 of her 22 point to help her team advance to the finals during the Michigan vs Maryland at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 09, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

INDIANAPOLIS — With the Women’s B1G Tournament finals tonight, Maryland and Iowa are poised to take each other on in Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Despite the numbers 1 and 2 teams making it to the finals, the tournament has been filled with upsets and top tier basketball.

THE FINALISTS

#1 Maryland 73, #4 Michigan 72

In Saturday’s first semi final game, Michigan attempted to take down no. 1 Maryland. Earlier in the season, the Lady Wolverines took a hard fall on the road to Maryland, 83-69. Maryland’s win came by 1 point in the rematch.

With 20 seconds left in regulation, Michigan trailed 70-71. Wolverine shooter Naz Hillmon (16 pts.) won an offensive rebound and scored two in the paint for the one point lead. On the next drive, Hillmon fouled Kaila Charles. Her two free throws gave the top-seated Terrapins the lead, and a literal last-second block by Maryland’s Shakira Austin cemented the win.

Women’s BIG TEN Tournament 2019: #24 Stephanie Jones with a put back over #30 Hallie Thome during the Michigan vs Maryland at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 09, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

MD’s Kaila Charles led the game with 22 points and 8/9 free throws. While Michigan held MD to only eight points in the final quarter, the effort wasn’t enough to make up for the Terrapins’ 28 point third quarter.

“I’m really passionate about this game,” Charles said after the win. “I love it. I love the fact that our league is so competitive. I love competition, and I was just excited. I love a close finish. I love to get the adrenaline, so it was just fun.”

With the win, Maryland reaches the Big Ten Tournament championship game for the fifth time in five tries. The Terrapins are 13-1 all-time in the tournament. They are seeking to become the first team in conference history to win four tournament titles in five seasons.

Michigan finished the regular season 21-11.

SCORES BY QUARTERS

MICH: 21 19 16 16 – 72

MD: 23 14 28 8 – 73

MICH: HAILEY BROWN 1 4 0/0 14; HALLIE THOME 0 0 2/2 2; AMY DILK 3 0 2/2 8; NICOLE MUNGER 1 5 3/4 20; DEJA CHURCH 1 1 0/0 5; NAZ HILLMON 7 0 2/2 16; KAYLA ROBBINS 0 0 2/2 2; AKIENREH JOHNSON 1 0 3/4 5

MD: STEPHANIE JONES 5 0 2/4 12; CHANNISE LEWIS 5 0 0/0 10; KAILA CHARLES 7 0 8/9 22; TAYLOR MIKESELL 1 2 0/0 8; BLAIR WATSON 1 4 0/0 14; SHAKIRA AUSTIN 2 0 0/0 4; BRIANNA FRASER 1 0 1/1 3.

Women’s BIG TEN Tournament 2019: Indiana vs Iowa at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 08, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

#2 Iowa 72, #3 Rutgers 67

Iowa’s offense came out fast and strong in the second semi-final game of the night, but was nearly evenly matched by the opponents. Iowa’s 50 percent field goal shooting looked better than Rutgers’ 41.9 percent, but only accounted for two extra points. Iowa’s free throw shooting, landing 12 of 13, gave the Lady Hawkeyes the edge. Comparing the two teams, Iowa made 27 goals in the paint, six from long rane and 12 from the foul line. Rutgers knocked down 26 for two, seven for three and eight free throws.

For the Hawkeyes, Megan Gustafson, Makenzie Meyer and Hannah Stewart all scored in the double digits. Gustafson, a runner for MVP of the tournament, had a double double with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Rutgers trailed by 20 in the third period, 31-51. The Scarlet Knights went on an 11-4 run to bring the score closer and then dropped 11 unanswered on Iowa to close the gap to three points. According to a press release, Rutgers held 30 of its 31 opponents to below-average scoring. Iowa came in scoring 79.8 ppg and was held to 72.

DAY ONE

Wisconsin 65, Penn State 57

Purdue 72, Illinois 60

Women’s BIG TEN Tournament 2019: Indiana vs Minnesota at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 07, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

DAY TWO

Michigan State 68, Northwestern 52

Wisconsin 73, Ohio State 63

Indiana 66, Minnesota 58

Purdue 75, Nebraska 64

SEMIFINALS

Maryland 71, Michigan State 55

Michigan 73, Wisconsin 65

Iowa 70, Indiana 61

Rutgers 64, Purdue 49

Spring Ball kicked off for UCLA & USC

By

Jevone Moore

-

March 5, 2019

KH2A8390 — Spring Ball 2019 in Los Angeles. Photo by Jevone Moore

Corner Darnay Holmes speaking with the media at Spring Ball 2019 in Los Angeles. Photo by Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, CA – The field was full with bodies flying around in full speed with whistles blowing every few seconds to end a play. Today marked the kickoff to a new season with endless possibilities at both PAC-12 South contenders.

The UCLA Bruins kicked off bright and early on Spaulding field for the teams second Spring Ball with Chip Kelly at the helm. So for the returners they knew what to expect going into today practice.

“Getting back to the details, so we can chase our mission this year,” said cornerback Darnay Holmes, “We definitely trust them (coaching staff) a lot more, and we know what standards they want us to abide by.”

This spring will give the Bruin faithful a better look at Kelly changes and know if he can lead the Bruins in the right direction.

UCLA Field ready for Spring Ball 2019 in Los Angeles. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Bruins will be on Tuesday, Thursday, Sat Morning schedule for the Spring finishing off with a Spring Game on April 20 at Drake Stadium.

Crosstown rivals the USC Trojans also began the quest to get last year bad taste out of the players mouths. USC will practice in afternoon to allow for players to knock out classes in the am.

Coach Clay Helton now kicking off his 4th season as official head coach brought in few new coach to mix things up.

USC offensive lineman Jalen McKenzie (70) at Spring Ball 2019 in Los Angeles. Photo by Jevone Moore

Most will be looking at new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell from Texas Tech to add few new wrinkles to spice up the offense.

“This field has always been about competition, I don’t want any football player feeling comfortable on this field,” said Helton, “Now it’s time to focus on our future.”

USC will have a televised Spring Football Showcase on April 6th before their last three practices.

Freshman Max Williams (24) loosening up at Spring Ball 2019 in Los Angeles. Photo by Jevone Moore

LAFC top Sporting Kansas City with thrilling stoppage time goal

By

Carlos Gonzalez

-

March 3, 2019

MLS 2019: Los Angeles Football Club vs Sporting KC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium MAR 03 — MLS 2019: Los Angeles Football Club vs Sporting KC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on March 03, 2019. Photo by Jevone Moore

MLS 2019: LAFC’s Adama Diomande #99 celebrates with the fans after the Los Angeles Football Club vs Sporting KC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on March 03, 2019. Photo by Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, CA – LAFC is looking to build from its impressive inaugural season last year, and on Sunday night in its 2019 season opener, LAFC sneaked in a goal seconds before stoppage time expired to knock Sporting Kansas City 2-1 in Banc of California Stadium.

In the 84^th minute, Sporting Kansas City’s Roger Espinoza #17 was a shown his second yellow of the match after taking down Mark-Anthony Kaye #14 from behind. LAFC’s Adama Diomande #99 found the back of the net in the 94^th minute with a right footed shot, coming from just inside the box.

KC was the only team to sweep LAFC in league play in the 2018 MLS season.

MLS 2019: Los Angeles Football Club vs Sporting KC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on March 03, 2019. Photo by Jevone Moore

It didn’t take long for the home team to allow its first goal of the young season. Sporting KC’s Krisztian Nemeth broke through in the 16^th minute with a shot from the center of the box after receiving a pass from teammate Johnny Russell.

Sporting KC played with the momentum for most of the match.

LAFC was able to add the equalizer just minutes after kicking off the 2^nd half. In the 47^th minute, Diego Rossi #9 dribbled his way into the penalty boxed and curled in a right-footed shot that went just past Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Milea #29.

Forward Carlos Vela #10 had a quiet evening with 5 shots and only 2 on target. KC looked to have a physical game plan when defending the Mexican. Vela drew a total of 5 fouls.

KC reached MLS Western Conference Championship but fell to Portland. Not only is being able to start the season with a victory a plus, being able to do it against a team which haunted them last year must be big for the teams confidence.

LAFC will have another tough task next Sunday when the team heads to Portland to face the Timbers Sunday 4:30 PT.

UCLA defeats USC in overtime to even the series

By

Eric Ramos

-

February 28, 2019

NCAA BKC 2019: USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins FEB 28 — USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 28, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA – UCLA held a one-point lead with 22 seconds left in overtime when Jaylen Hands drained a deep three as the shot clock expired. The Bruins would go on to defeat USC, 93-88, Thursday night at Pauley Pavilion.

“Both teams played well,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “Give them credit. We came out on the short end. We made 19 three’s but the problem is we didn’t get to the foul line.”

UCLA never trailed in overtime, outscoring the Trojans 11-6. USC was down by one point after Bennie Boatwright knocked down his seventh three of the game with 55 seconds remaining but the Trojans failed to score the rest of the way.

USC Bennie Boatwright trying to make a move during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 28, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“It was a hard-fought game’” Boatwright said. “Today we played well and they played but they got the W. That’s basketball.”

USC began to heat up from beyond the arc, sinking five three-pointers from five different players for a 25-24 lead. UCLA came back to tie it at 38 on Jules Bernard’s jumper with a minute left in the first half. Bernard made a three to give UCLA a 41-38 lead at halftime.

The Bruins utilized a 14-2 run to take a 62-53 lead over USC with 11:48 in the second half. USC stormed back and took a 70-68 lead on a three by Elijah Weaver. His fast-break layup gave the Trojans a one-point advantage with just under three minutes left.

Chris Smith’s jumper tied it at 82 in the final minute. Boatwright missed a potential game-winning three at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 28, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Boatwright finished with 25 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. Jonah Mathews added 17 points and freshman J’Raan Brooks scored 11 points for USC.

Hands led UCLA with 21 points and 10 assists while Kris Wilkes and Bernard added 16 points each.

UCLA Jaylen Hands is hyped after making a late basket during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 28, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Both teams are trying to avoid playing in the first round of the Pac-12 tournament in March. The top four teams in the conference earn a first-round bye. USC and UCLA finish the season on the road.

San Diego Fleet topples Commanders, 31-11

By

Kareem Jones

-

February 24, 2019

SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego Fleet (2-1) defeated the San Antonio Commanders (1-2), 31-11 to go above .500 for the first time in franchise history at SDCCU Stadium Sunday evening.

San Diego’s offense came out swinging by moving the chains effectively against a struggling Commander defense.

Fleet running back, Ja’Quan Gardner rushed for 122-yards against the Commanders, including an 83-yard touchdown run in the third quarter which became the longest scoring play in AAF history.

Gardner now has the top two rushing performances in the new league following tonight’s game and his 104-yard rushing performance last week against Atlanta.

With such a powerful offensive line Gardner was able to stand out and so did quarterback Philip Nelson.

Nelson completed 17 of 25 passes, threw for 193-yards and two touchdowns. Both career-highs.

Despite throwing an interception early in the game, Nelson was able to remain calm and throw both of his two touchdown passes to wide receiver Nelson Spruce. One for three yards and another for 18-yards over the middle of the field.

“I have a lot of confidence in our offensive line,” Nelson said. “They’re Incredible.”

The offensive line contributed to much of the success the Fleet had.

In addition to the Fleet’s outstanding offensive performance, their defense matched their energy.

The Fleet defense stood tall. They allowed just 291 yards, had three sacks and forced two turnovers.

One turnover was a 27-yard pick six by Fleet linebacker A.J. Tarpley in the second quarter.

What seemed to be a long night for the Commanders only got worse as they struggled on offense.

Although starting the game off nice with a huge interception by defensive back, De’Vante Bausby, followed by a 47-yard touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Logan Woodside to wide receiver Mekale McKay, the early hype was seized by the Fleet’s defense.

Despite making a couple quarterback changes between Logan Woodside and Marquise Williams, the Commanders could not find a rhythm to carry them on offense.

Lady Spartans win Senior Night against Michigan

By

Chris Tulley

-

February 24, 2019

WCBB 2019: Michigan vs Michigan State FEB 24 — Michigan Wolverines vs Michigan State Spartans game at Breslin Center on February 24 , 2019. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

East Lansing, MICH. — The Senior game for Michigan State’s lady basketball team was a win for the team’s lone senior, Jenna Allen.

Allen, a center, led MSU with 18 points and seven rebounds in the 64-74 win. Michigan’s Naz Hillman brought in 27 points.

MSU is now 8-8 in the Big Ten and with one game left in the season, the win over Michigan carries a lot of weight. Michigan is 10-7 in conference.

All four periods were won by the Spartans. State was up by nine before Michigan got on the board, thanks to a foul by Nia Clouden. Michigan then went on it’s own run, tieing the game at 10, 13 and 18, but would trail MSU the rest of the night.

The first period ended 18-22. Tory Ozment went 3-3 at the foul line in the second, and with two of her teammates landing three pointers and Allen at the post, MSU led 37-40 at half time.

“Coach told me that confident comes from preparation,” Allen said. “So I was just in the gym and I feel like it really paid off.”

Michigan had been on a seven win Big Ten streak, and MSU had lost its three previous.

Shay Colley scored 12, Mardrekia Cook and Clouden each added 11. Allen scores over 1,000 points in her time at State.

“Overall I thought our kids did a really nice job of knowing what we were looking for,” said MSU head coach Suzy Merchant.

MSU’s final game of the regular season against Penn State will be the first time the two teams will face, their earlier game in January was postponed. Penn State is currently 12-15 while Michigan State is 18-9.