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Women’s B1G Tournament ready to crown a champion

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

 

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
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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
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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 84th 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 94th 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 16th 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 2nd half. In the 47th 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.

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

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.

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

UCLA defeats USC in overtime to even the series

By
Eric Ramos
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USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 28, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
UCLA J. Hands shoots a three during the 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
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AAF Commanders vs Fleet game action on February 24, 2019. (Photo by Nick Koza)
AAF Commanders vs Fleet game action on February 24, 2019. (Photo by Nick Koza)

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.

 

AAF Commanders vs Fleet game action on February 24, 2019. (Photo by Nick Koza)

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.

 

AAF Commanders vs Fleet game action on February 24, 2019. (Photo by Nick Koza)

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

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

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

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

USC falls to Oregon State in final home game

By
Eric Ramos
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Oregon State vs USC Mens Basketball at Galen Center on February 23, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)
Oregon State vs USC Mens Basketball at Galen Center on February 23, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – USC’s comeback bid came up short on a night where they struggled shooting from three-point range and failed to make a free throw for the first time in school history.

 

“I’ve never been in a game where we didn’t make a free throw,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “I don’t know what to tell you. We also missed wide open 3s. We had open looks. We have to shoot better to beat a team like Oregon State.”

 

Stephen Thompson Jr. and Kylor Kelley scored 15 apiece to help Oregon State to a 67-62 win over USC Saturday at the Galen Center.

 

Oregon State vs USC Mens Basketball at Galen Center on February 23, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)

USC trailed most of the game but came back to take a 56-55 lead with 3:54 left in the second half. The Beavers went on a 10-0 run to take control of the game in the final three minutes.

 

“It was a tough loss on senior day,” Enfield said. “I appreciate what our seniors have done. It’s a tough way to go out on our home court.”

 

Jonah Mathews led the Trojans with 15 points and senior Bennie Boatwright scored 13 points. Senior Shaqquan Aaron had 12 points, 7 rebounds and five assists in his last career game at the Galen Center.

 

Oregon State vs USC Mens Basketball at Galen Center on February 23, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)

“I’ve been blessed to play here four years,” Boatwright said. “You win games and you lose games. I thought I was going to get emotional, but I didn’t. I saw my family there and the fans, it was a good feeling.”

 

Aaron did his best to keep the Trojans close in the first half, scoring seven points on 3-of-3 shooting with five rebounds, two assists and a block as they headed into halftime down, 31-27.

 

Freshman Kevin Porter Jr. had his first career double-double with 11 points and a career-best 10 rebounds. He scored nine of his points in the second half.

 

Oregon State vs USC Mens Basketball at Galen Center on February 23, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)

USC will finish the season with three road games, including crosstown rival UCLA on Thursday, Feb. 28 at Pauley Pavilion

USC wins second straight conference game after losing four of last five

By
Eric Ramos
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Oregon Ducks vs USC Trojans PAC-12 Basketball at Galen Center on Feburary 21,2019. Photo by Rick Guerra / fi360 News
Oregon Ducks vs USC Trojans PAC-12 Basketball at Galen Center on Feburary 21,2019. Photo by Rick Guerra / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – USC senior Bennie Boatwright went 6-of-9 from three-point range and scored 20 points to help the Trojans defeat Oregon, 66-49, Thursday at the Galen Center.

Boatwright moved into third place on USC’s all-time three-pointers list and it was his 17th consecutive game scoring in double figures.

“Bennie is shooting as well as he has in his career,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “His all-around game is good. He’s feeling it. To beat Oregon, you need players to step up like that. It was fun to watch.”

USC held Oregon to 49 points tonight, matching the season low for points by an opponent. The Trojans made 50 percent of its shots tonight, while holding Oregon to 33.3 percent shooting.

Oregon Ducks vs USC Trojans PAC-12 Basketball at Galen Center on Feburary 21,2019. Photo by Rick Guerra / fi360 News

“We played well,” Enfield said. “We challenged their shots. In the second half, we rebounded at a high level, especially our guards.”

Jonah Mathews knocked down a three to give USC a 16-point lead in the second half. Oregon was held without a point during a five minute stretch to end the first half and start the second.

Nick Rakocevic finished with 17 points and six rebounds. Derryck Thornton added 10 points with six assists.

“Oregon beat us bad when we played up there,” Rakocevic said. “This was a chance for us to get revenge, we had something to prove. It was a statement game. We played well, defended well, and Bennie was knocking down shots. Everybody had the mindset to win and do what it takes.”

Oregon Ducks vs USC Trojans PAC-12 Basketball at Galen Center on Feburary 21,2019. Photo by Rick Guerra / fi360 News

Rakocevic was referring to USC’s 21-point loss to Oregon last month. The Trojans avenged the loss and improved to 15-12 and 8-6 in Pac-12 play.

USC’s next game will be against Oregon State on Saturday at 3 p.m. It will be the final home game for seniors Boatwright and Shaqquan Aaron.

“It seems like yesterday (when he first played with Bennie).” Rakocevic said. “The last time I’ll be playing with him in Galen will be tough. We want to send him and Shaqquan off in the highest way, get a win and have fun.”

Clouden’s 23 leads both Lady Spartans and Buckeyes

By
Chris Tulley
-
Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan State Spartans game at Breslin Center on February 21 , 2019. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan State Spartans game at Breslin Center on February 21 , 2019. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

EAST LANSING, MI — A high-scoring fourth period from the Buckeyes cemented a home loss for the Michigan State women’s basketball team. Ohio State finished in first, 77-70.

The Lady Spartans are now 7-8 in the Big Ten and on a three loss streak. With the Big Ten championship just weeks away, MSU will need to take its final three games of the season seriously. Two at home and one away, and all three are conference foes.
Spartans coach Suzy Merchant stated that her team needed to make mental adjustments.
Sidney Cooks shooting over Dorka Juhasz for 2 of her 12 pointsOhio State Buckeyes vs Michigan State Spartans game at Breslin Center on February 21 , 2019. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

“Time is running out. It’s just a group that needs to get a little nastier and mentally tougher. I saw that. I’ve seen it in them.

OSU came out on top of the first period 20-19. Both teams shot 3-6 outside of the circle. Michigan State would only land one more three, and it was late in the game.
The second period played like the first. Sydney Cook led the Spartans with 11 points, eight coming from two point field goals.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan State Spartans game at Breslin Center on February 21 , 2019. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

For Ohio State, both Aaliyah Patty and Janai Crooms brought in 13 points, bringing on the 35-32 lead.

The third period went to the home team. Seven shots from the foul line for six points gave them an edge and took a close lead. MSU 52 OSU 50 would be the last lead for Michigan State.
Foul shots handed the Lady Buckeyes 10 of their 27 points to get the win in the fourth. Shay Colley hit a three for MSU but the team would miss five others from far out.
“From a basketball perspective, it’s frustrating knowing that we were doing well earlier and at the end of the year when we’re supposed to be closing out on a good note,” said Nia Clouden.
Clouden scored 23 points, the most for the Spartans.
Carmen Grande going up for a layup in the first half during Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan State Spartans game at Breslin Center on February 21 , 2019. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

“It’s kind of like, not slipping away, but we could be playing better than we are right now,”

This was the first home loss of the season for MSU.
Scores By Quarter
OSU  20 15 15 27 – 77
MSU 19 13 20 18 -70

Professional Football returns to San Diego

By
Kareem Jones
-
The San Diego Fleet (1-1) vs Atlanta Legends (0-2), 24-12, in their home opener of Week 2 in the Alliance of American Football. Photo by Kareem Jones / fi360 News

SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego Fleet (1-1) rally from behind to defeat the Atlanta Legends (0-2), 24-12, in their home opener of Week 2 in the Alliance of American Football.

 

Atlanta got things rolling early with quarterback Matt Simms completing 6 of 8 passes for 72 yards and a 19-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Malachi Jones.

 

Prior to the touchdown, place kicker Younghoe Koo hit a 29-yard field goal to put the Legends up 9-0.

 

The San Diego Fleet (1-1) vs Atlanta Legends (0-2), 24-12, in their home opener of Week 2 in the Alliance of American Football. Photo by Kareem Jones / fi360 News

The score eventually evened out to 9-9 after Fleet kicker Donny Hageman hit three consecutive field goals from 46, 43, and 26 yards in the third quarter.

 

Once the Legends took a 12-9 lead early in the fourth quarter Fleet knew that they must change the game plan to come back into the game.

 

That is when head coach Mike Martz turned to the ground game with quarterback Philip Nelson completing only 14 of 30 passes for 142 yards.

 

Later in the fourth quarter running back Terrell Watson rushed five times for 30 yards and Ja’Quan Gardner had 28 yards on three carries with an 8-yard touchdown as the Fleet moved the chains to take a 15-12 lead with 9:04 remaining.

 

The Fleet defense stopped the Legends and the offense hit the ground running once again. Gardner who made a swift move around a defender pushed 31 yards down the field to the Legends 7-yard line. A few plays later he punched his way into the endzone to extend the Fleet lead 21-12 with 4:00 left in the game.

 

The two touchdowns scored in the fourth quarter were the first of the season for the Fleet. Hageman also hit another field goal 33 yards out to seal the deal with less than a minute left in the game.

 

The San Diego Fleet (1-1) vs Atlanta Legends (0-2), 24-12, in their home opener of Week 2 in the Alliance of American Football. Photo by Kareem Jones / fi360 News

Gardner rushed for a total of 104 yards on 15 carries and the Fleet defense remained solid throughout the game holding Atlanta to just three points.

 

Sunday’s game marked the first professional football game at SDCCU Stadium in 777 days after the San Diego Chargers relocated to the city of Los Angeles ending a 56-year stay in America’s Finest City (1961-2016).

The fans didn’t exactly fill every seat in the stadium but the 20,019 people in attendance were electrifying during every second of the Fleet’s first victory in San Diego.

 

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