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Trojans Late Game Push Not Enough Against Arizona

By
Michael Ewing
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Los Angeles, CA – The Arizona Wildcats rolled into the Galen Center on Thursday night riding a 10 game winning streak taking down the USC Trojans 73-66 and holding the 14th spot in the latest NCAA Top 25 Rankings.

The last time these two teams met in Los Angeles it took four overtime periods to finally decide a winner. This time around it seemed people were expecting something similar. Although it is tinsel town, the stars don’t always come out to college basketball games, but tonight there was some basketball royalty in the house. Lakers star, former Trojan, Nick Young was in attendance, as was current Lakers coach, and former Arizona Wildcat Luke Walton. Also courtside was legendary University of Arizona coach Lute Olson.

Once the game got underway both teams got off to sluggish starts. USC opened the game in a loose 2-3 zone defense, almost daring the Wildcats to shoot from behind the arc. Arizona is a high percentage 3-point shooting team, but they are not a high volume shooting team. The strategy seemed to work for USC in the first half, as the Wildcats shot 5-14 from long range, and 44% from the field. Arizona was clearly frustrated with their inability to get to the basket due to the interior zone presence, being held to only 29 points in the first half was not what coach Miller was hoping for.

USC coach, Andy Enfield was very pleased with his teams’ defense in the first half, heaping high praise on his players during the postgame press conference. Enfield expressed his pleasure with the physical play and execution of the zone defense. He also, however, lamented the fact that his team was unable to hit many open shots during the first half. The Trojans were held to a season low 19 points in the opening half. It wasn’t until 17 minutes into the game before USC hit their first three-point shot of the game, after going 0-8 to start. When the teams entered their respective locker rooms at halftime, Arizona seemed to have control of the game. They didn’t shoot particularly well, but still managed to hold a 10 point lead with no signs of USC’s offense having much life.

Picking up where they had left off, the Wildcats began the second half on a 15-2 run, stretching their lead to 44-21, and at this point it appeared the route was on. However, with about eleven minutes remaining in the game, USC guard Elijah Stewart was called for a flagrant 1 foul after he swung violently for a block, nearly knocking an opposing players’ head off. In Elijah’s defense, he was upset over a missed call on the previous play, which became a theme throughout the night. After being tagged with a flagrant, Elijah seemed to be inspired. He scored 15 points in the second half, including back to back three-balls to help USC get back in the game. Stewart’s backcourt mate Jordan McLaughlin also stepped up late in the second half, hitting his own pair of three point shots to help USC get in a position to pull off the incredible comeback. After trailing by 23, the Trojans were within 10 with 3:35 remaining in the game when Stewart skied for an incredible put-back dunk, drawing a foul in the process.

As the game entered its final two minutes the fans were on their feet, the Trojans had clawed their way back, and were only down by 4 with 1:50 left in the game. Arizona found themselves scrabbling for a shot as the shot clocked whittled down to its final few seconds. That is when Arizona super-freshman Lauri Markkanen came to the rescue. Hitting what USC coach Montgomery called “the back breaker.” Markkanen pulled up from well behind the three point line and banked in what would ultimately be a dagger to the Trojans. Markkanen would finish the game with 23 points to lead all scorers, and add to his already impressive NBA resume.

With the win Arizona picks up its eleventh straight victory, improving their record to 16-2 on the season. With the loss USC drops to 16-4 this season. These two teams will meet again in Tucson on February 23.

Cal takes one in the paint on USC

By
Jevone Moore
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NCAA College Basketball game action during the Cal Bears vs USC Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Michael Ewing /fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – California had one last shot with 14.1 on clock when the Bears went inside to the paint to Ivan Rabb who was fouled and sent to the free throw line trailing by one.

He went to the line and knocked them both down to take the game 74-73 over USC at the Galen Center Sunday night.

Rabb was Cal’s leading scorer with 17 points, 8 rebounds and a three pointer, with guard Charlie Moore with 16 points (3-4) 3-pt range.

USC coming into tonight’s game had started off the season 15-1  which was their best start since the 1971 season where they finished 24-2 after a 16-0 start.

Chimezie Metu played strong tonight for USC leading the team with 20 points in his battle with Rabb in the paint.

“[Metu] did surprise me with the shots he made.” said Cal coach Cuonzo Martin, ” He’s a very talented kid.”

The California Bears came into the Galen Center looking for at least a split on their road trip to Los Angeles after losing to UCLA Thursday. They split their first conference home swing to start 1-2 in PAC-12 and 10-5 overall.

Mid way through the first half Cal look faster to the ball leading 16-12 at 11:02 mark after USC Jordan McLaughlin was called for a charge in the lane.

“Cal did a good job in the first half getting offensive rebounds.” said USC coach Andy Enfield “We came out on the wrong end of it [game].”

The crowd was inspired by the USC football team who was honored for their the Rose Bowl Game victory over Penn State 52-49.

Cal lead most of the game but USC kept making runs to try and steal the game away.

McLaughlin had his numbered called with 37.3 seconds on clock down by one 72-71 when he got foul in the lane then he missed both free throws before getting a second chance where made a layup at 17 seconds.

“It was just one of those nights at the line.” said McLaughlin “That’s basically where we lost the game.”

USC will go on the road next week to face Utah (11-4, 2-1) on Thursday January 12, then Colorado (10-6, 0-3) on Sunday January 15.

The PGA Tour West Coast Stops

By
Jevone Moore
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February 19, 2016: James Hahn second round action of PGA Golf during the Northern Trust Open at The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
February 19, 2016: James Hahn hitting out the bunker on 6th hole during second round action of PGA Golf during the Northern Trust Open at The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA – It’s time for the start of a new year, and that means PGA Tour will be on the west coast for first few months of 2017.

The first two tour stops will be on the islands with fast greens, tropical sunshine weather at SBS Tournament of Champions (JAN 5-8) and Sony Open in Hawaii (JAN 12-15)

Last season at the Career Builder Challenge (JAN 19-22) we were treated with Jason Dufner winning in a playoff on the 18th with President Bill Clinton looking on in the background.

The Farmers Open at Torrey Pines (JAN 26-29) will be hoping for better weather this year that took out their reigning champion Jason Day who battled through being sick and the elements.

Their new champion Brandt Snedeker will be on hand this year to defend his crown.

The fan favorite in the state of Arizona Phil Mickelson is always cheered for loudly at the Waste Management Phoenix Open (FEB 2-5).  Mickelson who graduated from Arizona State feeds off the hometown love.

The last two in will be back in California with AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (FEB 9-12) and the Genesis Open (FEB 16-19).

Bubba Watson will have to be on his A game defending his Genesis Open title with Tiger Woods coming back to play at Riviera CC for first time in 15 plus years.

The is no other tour like it THE PGA “Golf is our favorite course”

 

USC wins Rose Bowl in dramatic fashion

By
Eric Ramos
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January 2, 2017 Pasadena, CA 103rd Rose Bowl: USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 2, 2017. (Photo by William Johnson / fi360 News)
USC Trojans at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 2, 2017. (Photo by William Johnson / fi360 News)

Matt Boermeester had already missed two field goals when his number was called with the game on the line. Boermeester nailed a 46-yard field goal as time expired to give USC a dramatic 52-49 victory over Penn State in the 103rd Rose Bowl on Monday.

 

“I wasn’t concerned about the distance,” Boermeester said. “I knew I was going to get an opportunity to kick that field goal, so wherever it was at, I was kicking it.”

 

USC redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold had a game for the ages as he completed 33-of-53 passes for 453 yards while adding five touchdowns and an interception. Darnold has helped himself get into Heisman discussions with an incredible season.

 

Saquon Barkley gave Penn State a 49-35 lead with 1:55 left in the third quarter on a 7-yard reception. The fourth quarter was all USC as Ronald Jones scored on a 3-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit, 49-42.

 

USC tied the score at 49 on Darnold’s 27-yard touchdown pass to Deontay Burnett with 1:20 left in the fourth quarter.

 

“What Tay’s actually supposed to do is keep a straight line, not necessarily run a post like that,” Darnold said on the touchdown pass to Burnett. “But that’s just the player that he is, he made a play, and I saw him.”

 

Burnett finished with 13 receptions for 164 yards and three touchdowns while Juju Smith-Schuster added seven receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown.

 

Penn State got off to a rough start as Trace McSorley’s first two passes of the game were intercepted. The Nittany Lions answered to being down 13-0 in the first quarter by scoring on seven straight possessions.

 

“You can’t turn the ball over against good opponents and have a chance to win,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “You lose the turnover ratio, you’re going to have a hard time being successful.”

 

USC finishes the season 10-3 after a 1-3 start and early contenders for the National Championship in 2017.

 

“We’re so worthy of a Rose Bowl,” Helton said. “I think about this group of coaches and kids and what they’ve been able to accomplish over a season, and to put a stamp on it right here in The Granddaddy of Them All, it’s been an absolutely great week.”

Post Game Press Conference #fi360News

The Road to Redemption at 103rd Rose Bowl

By
Jevone Moore
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January 1, 2016 Pasadena, CA. Rose Bowl Pre-Game ambience, and Art at the Rose Bowl game, Pasadena, CA. on January 1, 2016. (Absolute Mandatory Credit: Jevone Moore )

Pasadena, CA – Two traditional powerhouse were knocked down and now are back to compete in 103rd Rose Bowl Game on January 2.

The USC Trojans from the PAC-12 will face off against the BIG TEN Penn State Nittany Lions for the Roses.

The NCAA hit both of these programs hard for different offensives, and they both withstood that knockout blow like a champ.

Penn State was hit with a $60 Million Sanction, a four-year football postseason ban and had to vacated all wins dating back to 1998.

They lost 10 scholarships initially, then 20 total scholarships each year for four years during the probation that was to last 2012-2017

USC penalties included the loss of 30 football scholarships over three years and vacating 14 victories in which Bush played from December 2004 through the 2005 season.

Based on good behavior the Penn State Bowl ban was lifted and scholarship were returned for 2015-2016 season after three years.

“It feels good, something positive which is exactly what team needed,” said Maddie DePascale Penn State Jr. major in Communication Sciences and Disorders “the season been stressfully but very rewarding.”

Now USC had to serve they full sentence from NCAA before regaining form resenting the PAC-12 in the Rose Bowl.

“I have a great love for the University of Southern California, and I very much regret the turn that this matter has taken, not only for USC, but for the fans and players, ” Bush said in a statement.

One of these teams will be able to add a Rose Bowl victory to their record and continue on the Road to Redemption.

Andy Phillips and Joe Williams lead Utah to Foster Farms Bowl Win

By
Michael Wilson, Jr.
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Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) rolling out the pocket fending of Indiana Dawson Fletcher (29) at the Foster Farms Bowl: Utah Utes vs Indiana Hoosiers Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

Santa Clara, CA – Andy Phillips kicked four field goals, including the game winner, and Joe WIlliams ran for a bowl-game record of 222 yards, to lead the Utah Utes to a 26-24 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2016 Foster Farms Bowl.

Williams’ decision to come back from retirement continued to pay huge dividends for Utah, as he once again had a monster game and finished his college career on a high note.

Named the Offensive MVP for the game, Williams gave the offense just enough of a spark, despite a fourth quarter fumble and feeling under the weather.

After the game the newly-married Williams stated that he had had “added motivation” for this game after his wife reminded him that “this is your last ride.”  Williams said that he had to “go out there like [Michael] Jordan did in ’97 with the flu game,” and help lead his team to victory.

Early on though, it seemed like Utah would end its season with a third straight loss. Forty-seven seconds into the game, the Hoosiers led 7-0, after WR Kyle Fulks fumbled the opening kickoff. 

Utah, however, regained its composure and showed why it had been ranked in the Top-25 for most of the season.  After getting on the board with an Andy Phillips field goal, RE/DE Pita Taumoepenu forced a Hoosiers’ fumble on the next possession.  

The Hoosiers, however, made it a game despite committing 4 turnovers.

Down 17-7 early in the second, the Hoosiers managed to pull even with at the half, when backup QB Zander Diamond found WR Nick Westbrook for a 39-yard touchdown reception. 

Even after Utah pulled ahead 26-24 with 1:24 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Hoosiers still had a chance to win the game.  But penalties, dropped passes, a missed field goal and costly turnovers in the second half proved to be too much in the end. 

Newly minted Hoosiers Head Coach Tom Allen admitted that turnovers – which plagued Indiana all season – came back to haunt his team. The mistakes overshadowed a solid performance by his defense and special teams, which forced three Utah turnovers.

After the game, Coach Allen vowed to continue working to clean up the sloppy play in advance of the

2017 season opener, when the Hoosiers host the Ohio State Buckeyes.

On the other hand, Utah (9-4) can now celebrate its fourth straight season with a bowl game victory and carry some momentum into the 2017 season.

Minnesota leaps past Washington State

By
Eric Ramos
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December 27, 2016 San Diego, CA National Funding Bowl Bowl: Minnesota vs Washington St. at Qualcomm Stadium on December 27, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

Minnesota trailed 6-3 when Washington State defensive back Marcellus Pippins tipped a Mitch Leidner pass straight to running back Shannon Brooks for a 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Minnesota’s defense held on to beat Washington State, 17-12, in the Holiday Bowl on Tuesday.

“I usually end up on the wrong side of those,” Leidner said. “We were getting heated and I thought I would let it rip and let it be Shannon’s ball or nobody’s ball, but that guy played a good play and tipped it into Shannon’s hands for me.”

 

Washington State could not get rolling on offense as the Gophers’ defense stifled the Cougars wide receivers. Minnesota defense didn’t give up any big plays while forcing the Cougars to  throw the ball underneath.

 

“You’ve got to tackle well in space, and that credit goes to the kids,” Minnesota coach Tracy Claeys said. “We got them to dump the ball off in space and our guys ran and tackled extremely well.”

 

The Cougars took a 6-3 lead into halftime after 26 and 41-yard field goals by Erik Powell.

 

“I didn’t think we played well offensively at all,” Washington State coach Mike Leach said. “ I didn’t think we were mentally tough as far as allowing ourselves to get discouraged and, you know, we unraveled.”

 

Minnesota running back Rodney Smith added a 9-yard touchdown run to give the Gophers a 17-6 lead with 2:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. Smith finished with 77 yards on 17 carries.

 

Luke Falk hit wide receiver Kyle Sweets for an 8-yard touchdown with 19 seconds left in the game.

 

Minnesota ends the season with a record of 9-4. This is the first time the Gophers have won nine games in one season since 2003.

 

“We relish ’em all,” Claeys said on the bowl win. “It’s a great thing for everybody associated with the University of Minnesota.”

Eric Scott road to redemption

By
Jevone Moore
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CIF State Division 2A Regional High School Football Los Angeles High Romans vs Sierra Canyon Trailblazers game action at Granada Hills High on December 10, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA – The Nevada Wolf Pack football program added a great recruiter, passionate let’s get to work, high football IQ  and an outside receiver coach Eric Scott Tuesday, December 22.

Scott coming off winning his second Los Angeles City Championship Title with the Los Angeles Romans in three years. The Romans exploded on the scene in 2014 once he took over.

Success has always followed Scott everywhere he has coached. Being able to relate to the players on a real level growing up in South Los Angeles himself.

“Eric is an up and coming talent in this profession,” said Karl Dorrell former UCLA football coach. “He has a great sense of evaluating talent and developing skill players to reach their potential.”

Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is a step away from the big leagues, some would argue that it is big leagues.

Back 2007 Scott was an assistant coach with UCLA,  coaching receivers before having a brush with the law that didn’t result in charges but bad press was enough.

From then to now the high school level had been Scott playground.

Coaching History

             Crenshaw High School – Assistant Coach 1999 – 2006

              UCLA – Assistant Coach 2007

              Compton Centennial – Head Coach 2008, 2009

              Los Angeles High School Head Coach 2014 – 2016

              Nevada Assistant Coach 2016 –

Scott coming out of Crenshaw High School was recruited by Yale, Harvard and other Ivy’s league schools. He picked Northwestern back in 1993 before transferring to UCLA and earning his BA.

Currently Scott is in the last stage of USC Business Graduate School degree program.

Nevada will open the 2017 season at Northwestern for Scott’s college re-debut in Evanston, IL. Lookout Mountain West Conference the WolfPack is coming.

The City Section now will be void of a great coach but gain a familiar pair of eyes on their top stars for future scholarships.   

 

BYU flying to a win

By
Jevone Moore
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December 17, 2016 San Diego, CA Poinsettia Bowl: BYU Cougars vs Wyoming Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium on December 21, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

San Diego, CA – A late interception secured the BYU Cougars a victory over the Wyoming Cowboys 24-21 in a rainy Poinsettia Bowl Wednesday night.

Wyoming picked up one first down on their last possession 1:44 left on clock down by three points and a chance to tie or win the game.

Josh Allen on the next play threw late across the middle only to be intercepted by BYU defensive back Kia Nacua.

“right when I saw him break from the pocket I looked back towards the tight end and saw him start working my way and I almost overran the ball because I was so excited,” said Nacua ”

The wet conditions in the game caused problems for both teams with the ball bouncing around. The last bounce fell the cougars way.

BYU running back Jamaal Williams who was named the Offensive MVP punished the Wyoming defense for 210 yards and a touchdown.

Williams kept running hard all game, coach Kalani Sitake fed him the ball for 26 carries and it paid off.

“It brought back a bunch of memories from my freshman year,” said Williams “It felt like almost the same because I scored (touchdown) in both of them,”

These seniors for BYU won the Poinsettia Bowl as freshman in 2012 over San Diego State.

Even though BYU never trailed in the game the Wyoming comeback attempt definitely made the defense dig in their heels.

Allen who threw for 207 yards and his only two touchdowns came in the fourth quarter. That’s when the rain finally let up so balls were dryer but field was still wet.

Harvey Langi of BYU was named the Defense MVP with 16 tackles in the game. Langi fills in anywhere in the front seven to give the Cougars a spark.

‘It was so fun just being there,” Langi said “I get to play football and that’s what I love doing.”

The Poinsettia Bowl made a great start and finish for the BYU seniors and for the program going forward following coach Sitake.

Donnel Pumphrey runs wild in Vegas

By
Jevone Moore
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December 17, 2016 Las Vegas, NV. Dakota Turner (41), Calvin Munson (54) showing off their Las Vegas Bowl Champs hats after the 25th LAS VEGAS Bowl Houston Cougars vs San Diego State Aztecs at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore Full Image 360)
Dakota Turner (41), Calvin Munson (54) showing off their Las Vegas Bowl Champs hats after the defeating Houston Cougars at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore Full Image 360)

Las Vegas, NV – The new NCAA career rushing yards record holder Donnel Pumphrey was the MVP of the Las Vegas Bowl for the San Diego State Aztecs  who defeated Houston 34-10.

How fitting for Pumphrey who’s from Las Vegas to play his last college game, and break an NCAA record in his backyard.

“I’m honestly blessed to be around these guys right here and just to experience all this with my teammates and my family and my friends – it’s amazing.” said Pumphrey “This is where it all started. Just to end my college career here,”

Houston started the game with fire power behind Heisman hopeful quarterback Greg Ward Jr. who lead his team to a 10-0 start in the first quarter.

Ward Jr. threw for 229 yards with a rushing 12 yard rushing touchdown completing 25 of 34 passes with 4 crucial interceptions.

San Diego State defense were the unsung heroes of the Vegas Bowl creating turnovers that turned the game around in the second half.

“when intercept the ball it completely eliminates the momentum they have, it completely changes the momentum to the other side.” Rocky Long San Diego State coach.

With the momentum on San Diego State side they scored 28 unanswered points to run away with the game.

“I thought we really struggled in the first quarter with their quickness and their front seven.” said Long

Warrior (Safety) Kameron Kelly intercepted Ward Jr. two times in the second half that really ignited the team.

Pumphrey need 108 yards before the game started to break Wisconsin running back Ron Dayne record from 1999.

The offensive line took on the challenge with pride to get Pumphrey the record.

“It definitely wasn’t easy.” said Pumphrey  “our defense, they did great, so it was easier for us to have the ball in our hands and able to keep running the ball.”

So the great story book ending the San Diego State Aztecs win the 25th Las Vegas Bowl with the home town hero Pumphrey.

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