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Washington Huskies picked to win the PAC-12 in 2018

Colorado Buffalos vs Washington Huskies at Levi's Stadium on December 2, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

For Immediate Release // Wednesday, July 25, 2018

LOS ANGELES – WASHINGTON was chosen the favorite to win the 2018 Pac-12 Conference football title in a vote of 42 media members who cover Pac-12 football. The Huskies received 37 votes to earn the preseason nod over defending Pac-12 Champion USC. The Huskies garnered 40 first-place votes to hold down the top spot in the Pac-12 North Division, while USC tallied 22 first-place votes to edge out UTAH (14 first-place votes) to win the South Division.

Washington (249 points) was the overwhelming selection to capture the North Division ahead of STANFORD (198) and OREGON (178), which each picked up single votes to win the division.

The media expects the South Division to provide a competitive race with USC (225) topping Utah (209) and ARIZONA (178), which picked up three first-place votes. UCLA collected two votes, and COLORADO one vote, to represent the South Division in the Pac-12 Championship Game.

The media has correctly selected the Conference Champion in 30 of 57 previous polls, but only three times in the last 11 polls. Following are the results of the preseason media poll (points 6-5-4- 3-2-1, first-place votes in parentheses):

North DivisionSouth Division
SchoolPointsSchoolPoints
1. Washington (40)2491. USC (22)225
2. Stanford (1)1982. Utah (14)209
3. Oregon (1)1783. Arizona (3)178
4. California1084. UCLA (2)116
5. Washington State985. Colorado (1)80
6. Oregon State456. Arizona State72

 

PAC-12 TITLE GAME CHAMPION: Washington (37 votes)
Others receiving votes: USC (2), Oregon (1), Stanford (1), UCLA (1)

The 2018 Pac-12 Football Championship Game will take place Friday, Nov. 30 and will be telecast to a national audience on FOX at 5 p.m. PT. The Championship Game will match the winner of the North Division vs. the winner of the South Division at Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Fever lose their focus down the stretch

Breanna Stewart making a move during the Seattle Storm vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 24, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Indianapolis, In – The Indiana Fever got hot late in the 4th quarter to pull within eight points at 72-80 with 2:05 left on the clock. Then that lapse of concentration jumped out as the Seattle Storm went on 12-0 run to win 92-72 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

All season this team shows flashes of greatness but just can’t keep the focus for the full 40 minutes of play.

“We didn’t finish the game, we fizzled, and I’m extremely disappointed,” said Fever coach Pokey Chatman.

Seattle was led Breanna Stewart with 26 points, 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season.

This season has been a good learning experience for the Fever rookies.

Kelsey Mitchell had the hot hand scoring 26 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

“It speaks volumes to her gift,” said Chatman about Mitchell, “That is the part of her game that will always garner the most attention. But beyond that, I’m happy with the progress she has made in other facets of her game.”

The consistent Fever veteran Candice Dupree knocked down 14 points while pulling down 12 rebounds in losing effort.

“Yeah.  I mean we just kind of gave up the last two minutes,” said Dupree, “We’ve got to be better.  We can’t relax at the end.  Because I think two minutes out we were down by like nine points or something like that and we lose by 20.  So we can’t let that happen.”

The next stop for these teams will be WNBA All-Star break for the first and last place teams at this point in the season.

Big Ten Announces Football Preseason Honors

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley (26) of the Penn State Nittany Lions in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced its 2018 football preseason honors on Monday in conjunction with the start of Big Ten Media Days at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. A media panel selected the 10-member preseason list, with five representatives each from the East and West Divisions.

Ohio State fielded a pair of honorees on the East Division roster, while Penn State was represented by senior quarterback and unanimous selection Trace McSorley. The Buckeyes were represented by junior defensive end Nick Bosa and sophomore running back J.K. Dobbins. Michigan junior defensive lineman Rashan Gary and Michigan State junior quarterback Brian Lewerke rounded out the East Division lineup. McSorley garnered Big Ten football preseason honors for the second consecutive season.

Wisconsin paced the West Division with two standouts selected. The Badgers saw senior linebacker T.J. Edwards and sophomore running back Jonathan Taylor earn recognition. Iowa junior tight end Noah Fant, Nebraska senior wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr., and Northwestern sophomore linebacker Paddy Fisher completed the West Division honorees. Fant, Morgan Jr., Fisher, Edwards and Taylor garnered Big Ten football preseason honors for the first time in their careers.

The 2018 Big Ten preseason honors list features the reigning Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year in Bosa and the returning Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year in Taylor, who are among nine All-Big Ten selections on the squad. Bosa, Edwards, Gary and Taylor were first-team All-Big Ten picks last year. Other second- and third-team All-Conference honorees last year who made this year’s preseason honors list include Dobbins, Fant, Fisher, McSorley and Morgan Jr.

The full list of Big Ten football preseason honorees is as follows:

EAST DIVISION
Rashan Gary, Jr., DL, MICH
Brian Lewerke, Jr., QB, MSU
Nick Bosa, Jr., DE, OSU
J.K. Dobbins, So., RB, OSU
TRACE MCSORLEY, SR., QB, PSU

WEST DIVISION
Noah Fant, Jr., TE, IOWA
Stanley Morgan Jr., Sr., WR, NEB
Paddy Fisher, So., LB, NU
T.J. Edwards, Sr., LB, WIS
Jonathan Taylor, So., RB, WIS

Unanimous honoree in ALL CAPS

#B1GFootball

Sparks drop 4th straight home game 78-76

Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker #3 in traffic during the Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 1, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA-  The Los Angeles Sparks lost a close one to the Indiana Fever 78-76 Friday night at Staples Center. Friday’s win for the Fever ends a 5 game losing skid.

Los Angeles Candace Parker led all scores with 24 points, also tacking on 12 rebounds. Teammate Jantel Lavender added 23 points but it wasn’t enough for the Sparks.

“Obviously our team has to play with a purpose, and down the stretch we want to go to certain people,” said Lavender, “With my scoring in the first half I think that I can keep us in the game, but I guess down the line we want to have the game in Candace’s
hands and Chelsea’s hands.”

Candice Dupree and Cappie Pondexter led the Fever with 16 points each. Natalie Achonwa chipped in with 15 points and 9 rebounds.

“Cappie came in and had a tremendous game. She did what Cappie does, so we weren’t surprised by anything,” said Alana Beard, “She’s in a system now where she is able to flow, and she’s playing the game that she likes to play.”

The Sparks started the 4th quarter trailing 66-54. After two back-to-back layups for Los Angeles, the Sparks found themselves down just 4 with 5:08 left in the game. The Fever extended its lead to 77-70 with 2 minutes remaining.

A Parker layup and a Chelsea Gray jump shot brought the Sparks within 3 points with 27 seconds to go. Los Angeles had one last chance to tie the game but an Essence Carson jump shot was no good and the Fever were able to hold on.

“Obviously when you’ve struggled the way we’ve struggled all year, it’s nice to get any win,” said Fever coach Pokey Chatman, “We didn’t quite close it out in the fashion that left anything to be desired, and it was a nail-biter at the end but overall, we handled their runs.”

Unlike most of their contests, the Sparks got rolling early and led 23-15 after the first quarter. The fever battled back and hung with the Sparks the remainder of the first half and went into halftime trailing 40-37.

The Sparks hit the road for a matchup with the Chicago Sky on Sunday.

Los Angeles has lost 4 straight games at home. Its next opportunity to end that streak is Tuesday night when Atlanta Dream comes into town.

LAFC advances to U.S. Open Cup semifinal with 3-2 win over Portland

July 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi #9 being guarded by Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara #21 during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 18, 2018. Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, CA – LAFC forward Carlos Vela collected a loose rebound and sent a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner for a 2-0 lead in the 38th minute.

Los Angeles would hold to defeat Portland FC, 3-2, in a wild shootout on Wednesday night at Banc of California Stadium. The black and gold advanced to the semifinals.

“The Sunday game they tried to defend really well in the middle of the pitch,” Vela said. “Today, there was more spaces to receive the ball and make good chances.”

In the 33rd minute, LAFC took a 1-0 lead after Vela’s cross into the box was attempted to be headed away by Timbers’ David Guzman but the ball went into his own net.

Portland got on the board with Julio Cascante’s header in the second minute of stoppage time. Guzmans’ free kick found Cascante as he slipped behind the LAFC defense to cut the lead before halftime, 2-1.

“We find ways to do things to keep everybody on the edge of their seat,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “We had less control tonight, less possession tonight, but we were dangerous.”

Costa Rica native Marco Urena gave Los Angeles a 3-1 lead in the 51st minute after he re-directed a shot from Jordan Harvey into Portland’s net.

A minute later, Dairon Asprilla dribbled past three defenders and sent a ball across the face of the goal that went to the left side. Portland defender Vytautas Andriuskevicius came in and fired a shot into the back of the net to cut the lead, 3-2.

“I’m so happy because I’ve been waiting for a long time,” Urena said on his goal. “My first game I got the injury and it was tough. It means a lot to me and I could feel the support from the guys.”

LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller was tested early but came up with back-to-back saves to keep the game scoreless. Dairon Asprilla got inside the box and fired a shot but Miller dove to make the save. The ball came right back to Asprilla who’s first-touch shot was blocked by Miller.

Vela said he feels they are close to winning a title and are working hard to be there and win it.

“This team dreams high,” Vela said. “I’m happy to be here and help my teammates.”

 

Hayes Pullard 4th Annual Football Camp

4th Annual Hayes Pullard Football Camp at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienega Park on July 14, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA – When the community that raises you with love and reproof you can’t help but give back. That’s what Hayes Pullard III from Crenshaw High has been doing the last four years, giving back to the community.

This year football camp was attended by over 300 youth from the age 6-17 at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienga Park. Pullard brought our former teammates from his communities Crenshaw District, Crenshaw High, USC Trojans and new Los Angeles Chargers family.

Each year with Pullard faithfulness he has grown his event and has aligned with some great sponsors / partners to make this an event the kids will never forget.

This year Los Angeles Lakers youth foundation stepped up again to help with some warm-ups drills to wake the campers muscles up. Then Pullard’s group of peers kicked in with the mentality they attack everything they do.. GUSTO – Grind Until Success Triumphs Odds –

“I love you guys (campers) so much,” said Pullard, “All the folks I brought out here to coach you guys are Alpha Males.”

A new addition to the camp was Sports Academy and their partner Next Up. So there were additional collegiate athletes getting an up close look at how being a professional on the next level.

So not only did the young campers get some training, the collegiate also some learning in too.

Pullard will be competing himself in few weeks for a starting linebacker spot with the Chargers. This will be his 4th season in the NFL fulfilling his dream and giving back at the same time.

To keep up with Hayes Pullard III you can go to www.pullard.com/

Indiana can’t handle the Mercury

Brittney Griner blocking Candice Dupree shot early in the first half of the Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 15, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Indianapolis, In – The Phoenix Mercury get their 15th victory of the season at the expense of the Indiana Fever. It took four quarters for them to pull away from the Fever in 101-82 victory.

Every team knows that when you come to Bankers Life Fieldhouse you better be ready for a game. Their record does not fully tell who this gritty team is lead by few Vets with mostly rookies finding their way.

Mercury center Brittany Griner took over the paint and the game leading all scores with 36 points and 12 rebounds.

“We had four paint points in the second half,”  Pokey Chatman said. “You can’t do that. I want to give them credit, but I thought we had to make one more pass, penetration and the kick, to get a little closer, feed the paint.

The Fever was led by Candice Dupree 23 points, 9 rebounds to allow her team to hang around for three quarters.

“We just have to be able to sustain it,” Dupree said. “We did that for three quarters. And then in the fourth, I think we just let up a little defensively and settled on offense. We just have to piece it together.”

Dupree also moved into third on the WNBA’s all-time made field goals list, passing Tamika Catchings. She has now make 2,394 shots in her career.

Diana going to basket during the Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 15, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Teams who watch the film know that playing for the full 40 minutes is the hard part for the Fever to do.

So next up for the Fever they will Face off with another giant in a few days as they look to get that next victory.

 

LAFC remains unbeaten at home after draw against Portland

July 15, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles FC defender Steven Beitashour #3 on ball during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 15, 2018. Rick Gurrola

Los Angeles, CA – LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller made a big save on Sebastian Blanco’s close-range blast in the 70th minute and finished with six saves.

Miller’s sixth shutout of the year led to LAFC and Portland playing to a scoreless draw on Sunday at the Banc of California Stadium.

“I can still find something I can improve on,” Miller said. “That’s just how I am but it felt nice to have a good game today and continue to build on what I did last game. Now, we just have to keep it going.”

In nine matches at home, LAFC remains unbeaten but were shut out for the first time in club history. The Black and Gold sit at second place in the Western Conference standings with 35 points.

“Overall I thought we did a lot of good things,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “They are a team that is dangerous in transition and we did a solid job of handling that.”

This was the Timbers sixth shut out of the season. LAFC was averaging 2.27 goals per game entering the match.

LAFC had the ability to create big chances but just could not finish. Carlos Vela’s header inside the box went straight to the goalkeepers hands in the 94th minute. This was Vela’s first start since returning from the World Cup.

“I tried to create something for the team but today was very difficult,” Vela said. “They play with a lot of players in the middle so it was really hard to find spaces for the ball.”

Midfielder Lee Nguyen earned a red card after a high tackle on Blanco. Moments later, Tyler dove to the ground for the save after a dribbling Diego Valeri got passed several defenders inside the box.

LAFC and Portland finished scoreless in the first half. Both teams had their chances to score but the Timbers got five shots on goal. Portland failed to convert on two miscues by the black and gold’s defense.

In the fifth minute, Portland had a chance for the opening goal after Valeri stripped Feilhaber but Tyler made the stop on Valeri’s shot.

Adama Diomande missed a scoring opportunity after he fired a one-touch shot off a scoop pass from Joao Moutinho in the 31st minute. Portland keeper Jeff Attinella just got enough on it to turn it over the top of the crossbar.

Both teams have a short turnaround as they meet again on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal at the Banc of California Stadium.

 

Sparks collapse in the fourth quarter, fall to Dallas

Dallas Wings forward Kayla Thornton #6 on the break during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 12, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA -The Los Angeles Sparks streaky season continues. They snapped a three-game losing streak with an overtime win over Seattle on Tuesday.

Dallas outscored the Sparks in the second half and guard Skylar Diggins-Smith scored 22 points to put Sparks back under the losing column with a 92-77 victory on Thursday at the Staples Center.

“We weren’t quite as sharp in the second half,” Sparks coach Brian Agler said. “We didn’t do a very good job on second-chance points. Offensively, we turned the ball over and we weren’t aggressive in the second half.”

The Wings went on a 21-7 run in the fourth quarter to drop the Sparks behind Dallas in the Western Conference standings and 2.5 games back from first place Seattle.

Sparks fought back in the first half after trailing, 21-19, in the first quarter. Riquna Williams drained back-to-back three pointers to cut the Wings’ lead, 35-31. Candace Parker scored nine of her 16 first-half points in the second quarter to lead the Sparks to a 50-48 halftime lead.

Dallas lost leading scorer Liz Cambage in the second quarter due to her arguing a call. Instead of capitalizing on Cambage being out, the Sparks regressed their aggressiveness and Dallas made shots.

“They changed their matchups and we didn’t play inside out,” Angler said. “I like the way we came back in the first half but obviously we are all disappointed with the outcome of the game.”

Williams made a 3-pointer with 7:52 remaining to pull the Sparks within one at 71-70. Then, Dallas took control of the game, out scoring the Sparks, 23-12, in the fourth quarter.

Parker led the Sparks with 21 points while Williams finished with 16 points. Nneka Ogwumike added 12 points for the Sparks.

Ogwumike said with Cambage being out, Dallas capitalized on their mismatches.

“They switched their offense,” Ogwumike said. “We didn’t really respond well to that.”

The Sparks have lost six of its last seven games.

Indiana Fever can’t slay the Lynx back to back

Cappie Pondexter going to the basket during the Minnesota Lynx vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 11, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Indianapolis, IN – The paint was were the Minnesota Lynx began to beat up on the Indiana Fever today at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana could not match the Lynx aggressive play losing 87-65.

“We needed to match their sense of urgency early. But we didn’t do that,” said coach Pokey Chatman, “It’s tougher still when you do that against a veteran, experienced team.”

The Fever just beat the Lynx at the home last week playing good defense and stopping their ball movement. Ball movement and knocking down shots was another key to the Lynx lopsided victory.

Sylvia Fowles lead all scorers with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assist for a complete state line.

After the Fever began to crash down to the paint on defense the Lynx began to kickball out and make shots. As a team they tallied a season-high 29 assists on 33 field goals to shoot 51.6% from the field.

“They crowded the paint on me a lot and I got some open looks to our guards on the perimeter,” said Fowles, “When they knocked down shots they made sure they got me back inside.”

Erica Wheeler lead the Fever off the bench with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assist and rookie Kelsey Mitchell scored 11 points.

“Everything is all about defense,” said Wheeler, “Once we get our defense down, we’re pretty good.”

The Fever did make one hard 11-0 run in second quarter to bring game to 31-27, before Lynx answered with their own 10 run to restore order.

The midseason veteran addition of guard Cappie Pondexter to the Fever has been helpful she scored 9 points in 23 minutes of playing time.

The other super Lynx Maya Moore scored 19 points, and pull down 9 rebounds in this win.

Now Indiana will fly to Atlanta to face the Dream Friday night and look to get their next victory.