Atlanta, GA- Five Yellow Jackets scored in double figures Wednesday night in a 77-70 win over Virginia Tech. Sophomore Dallan “Deebo” Coleman led the team, putting up a career high 21 points.
Finding success from behind the arc early and often, Georgia Tech went 8 of 15 from deep. The Hookies managed to control the paint, scoring 24 of their 31 points down low, but they couldn’t match the Jackets from behind the arc, shooting 1 of 9. Tech held a 10 point lead going to the second half.
Photo by Kwame Kang / fi360 News
Grant Basile led the Hookies with 13 points followed by Miles Kelly with 11 points and three made three pointers going into the break..
“Good Win for the Jackets,” said GT coach Josh Pastner
The start of the second started with more of the same, with Georgia Tech building a 52-36 lead. But, with under ten minutes left, Virginia Tech responded with a 13-2 run to come within five points.
Despite the Hookies’ comeback effort and the Jackets’ poor free throw shooting down the stretch, the Yellow Jackets walked away with a much needed conference win. Their second in three games but only their third win since the new year.
Photo by Kwame Kang / fi360 News
After the game, Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner commented on the team’s victory, “That was a high level character win for our young men. I think coach Young is one of the best coaches not just in the ACC but in all of college basketball.” Georgia Tech will want to take this momentum into the final games of ACC play.
GLENDALE, AZ– The stage was set as Super Bowl XLII began on a picture postcard beautiful day. The champions of the AFC the Kansas City Chiefs, and the champions of the NFC the Philadelphia Eagles squared off on Sunday, February 12. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38 -35 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
It is Kansas City’s second Super Bowl victory in the last 4 years. Patrick Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP for the second time in his career. His legacy is both cemented and at the same time continues to. He becomes the first player in the NFL to win both the regular season and Super Bowl MVP since Kurt Warner achieved the feat in 2000.
A Harrison Butker 27-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining in Super Bowl LVII. Once again, it was a dazzling second half display of offensive brilliance provided by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Co.
Mahomes finished 21 of 27 for 182 yards with three touchdowns. Kansas City scored a touchdown on its first three drives of the second half after trailing at halftime 24-14.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was 27 of 37 for 304 yards passing, it masked the first time in NFL history two black quarterbacks started in the Super Bowl. It was a fantastic quarterback duel.
The game opened with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, scoring by sneaking the ball in after an 11 play, 74 yard drive culminating in an opening drive touchdown. The Chiefs answered right back as Patrick Mahomes marched down the field with a precise touchdown throw to his favorite target Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs responded quickly, and the offensive track meet was on.
Opening up the second quarter, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts hurled a deep bomb downfield to wide receiver AJ Brown making the score 14 to 7. All season Hurts was the Eagles phenomenal. and regular season NFL MVP Runner Up.
The Chiefs made a game changing moment when linebacker Nick Bolton recovered a 36-yard fumble, tying the score at 14 apiece in a thrilling Super Bowl early on.
On the critical 4th and six, Jalen Hurts used his lightning speed while using his legs to gain a pivotal first down. Kansas City made mental errors going offside giving the unstoppable Hurts an opportunity to dash four yards for a simple gallop finding the end zone , taking the lead 21-14 at halftime. Philly’s dominant run offense absolutely dominated the way they have all season long. Two rushing touchdowns in the first half alone gave them early momentum.
As Hurts rumbled in the end zone the fans at State Farm Stadium loudly shouted MVP. Tragedy struck for the chief when Patrick Mahomes was shoestring tackled by T.J. Edwards, aggravating his high ankle sprain. He noticeably limped off the field.
Mahomes made a heroic come back in the second half, as the Chiefs trailed by 10 points at halftime.
The action on the field really heated up as Rihanna took the stage in a beautiful red outfit with her dancers dress dressed as if they were ready for a snowstorm. Rihanna’s set focused on her massive global radio hits.
Her brief set was wildly popular, as the crowd cheered their approval. Fireworks exploded over the beautiful Glendale sky as Rihanna launched into her two signature hits umbrella and diamonds. And after 13 minutes during halftime, she was done and the football resumed. Before she left she ran off the stage and blew a kiss to television and football personality Michael Strahan.
As the second half opened Mahomes showed no signs of injury. The Chiefs marched down the field and scored a touchdown on a one yard Isiah Pacheco touchdown. Then another defensive touchdown by the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the play was ruled as an incomplete pass as the Eagles dodged a bullet.
Tight End Dallas Goddert caught a big 3rd and 14 setting up a 33 yd field goal, making it 27-21. The Eagles relied on controlling the ball, while keeping Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs explosive offense on the sideline.
For all the endless conversation and debate leading up to Super Bowl LVII, it was inevitable that the outcome was going to come down to Patrick Mahomes and the Chief’s success in the final quarter of the NFL season.
KC wide receiver Kadarius Toney became the X factor of the Super Bowl, first he caught a touchdown reception giving the Chiefs their first lead of the game. After an Eagles three and out, Toney return of a punt to the Eagles 5 yard line.
This set up a Skkky Moore 5-yd touchdown catch, the Chiefs were flexing their second half muscle. Although Philadelphia has an incredible defense, the Chiefs offensive line did not give up a sack.
This Whirlwind Super Bowl would just not end. Trailing by 8:00, Hurts found DaVonte Smith and caught a huge pass inside the Chiefs five. After scoring a touchdown, Hurts converted the two point conversion on a run. This classic Super Bowl was tied 35-35 with five minutes left in the game.
Mahomes drove the Chiefs down the field, including a dramatic run setting up the Super Bowl winning field goal. He threw three TD touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs are officially a dynasty.
Phoenix, AZ – The Laughs kept rollin’ like a tumbleweed in the desert at the Herberger Theater for Chocolate Sunday’s “Love & Football” Comedy Show Edition.
Host Deray Davis kept the crowd on the edge of their seats with the jokes the audience could relate too. He spoke about how he used to beg for more appearances just to get more work and in front of the people to get his material out.
He gave credits the great John Singleton for allowing him to get more exposure on the big screen as an actor.
Just Nesh
The promoters had some great local Arizona vendors for the two shows to enjoy on the patio and the second floor. On the patio Broom Brush Tea was serving hot teas and dried tea to enjoy at home.
Up stairs the hall had a silent auction and host of venders that included it So Fresh Smells selling all natural products.
DJ Side Kick worked the ones & twos spinning the records get the crowd hyped and ready in true fashion. Pre-opening act was comedian Torance.
KP
The full lineup included D’Lai, Just Nesh, CP and Michael Blackson.
This was the right mix of comics with varies styles that kept the crowd laughing and the vibe.
Love & Football packed out both the 7:oo pm and 9:30 pm shows. Arizona showed up and received the stress relief and a great time of laughter on a Friday night.
Michael Blackson
You can catch Chocolate Sunday’s back in Los Angeles at the Laugh Factory.
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 28: American Team kicker Bijan Nichols from the United States Naval Academy kicks the game winning field goal during the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game between the American Team and the National Team on January 28, 2023, at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
Pasadena, CA- Pre-draft season is here!
The 11th annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl was a success as the American team defeated the National team 19-17 with a last second field goal.
For many of these players it is their final in-game action in front of NFL scouts. For some it could possibly be their final football game ever.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 28: American Team Wide receiver Jason Brownlee from the University of Southern Mississippi catches the ball during the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game between the American Team and the National Team on January 28, 2023, at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
Quarterback Holton Alhers of East Carolina took full advantage of his opportunity in this game taking home the MVP award.
Alhers finished the game completing 9 of his 12 attempts for 189 yards and the game’s opening score.
“It feels great. I just wanted to come out here and show what I can do, show that I can hang, show that I deserve a spot in this league,” said Alhers.
“I did feel like I played really well. Showcased my skills all week. Not just this game, but when the scouts were out here, I felt like I performed really well all week.”
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 28: American Team Quarterback Sean Clifford from Penn State University runs out of the pocket during the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game between the American Team and the National Team on January 28, 2023, at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
The American team controlled the game leading by 13 points in the third quarter until the National team made a strong push. Even taking the lead early in the fourth quarter, 17-16.
But it wasn’t enough.
Two big runs late by former Wyoming running back Titus Swen and a personal foul call put the American team in position to win. A 24-yard field goal by South Dakota’s Eddie Ogamba secured the win for the American team.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 28: National Team Running Back Emanuel Wilson from Fort Valley State runs the ball and gets tackled during the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game between the American Team and the National Team on January 28, 2023, at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
The American team head coach was former NFL coach, Jeff Fisher, who picked up the win over his former running back for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, Eddie George, who coached the National team. George is the current coach for Tennessee State.
“The best part about this is these guys came out here and they had fun for the last two hours and 45 minutes playing this game,” Fisher said. “At the same time, they’ve been able to showcase their skills for the scouts in this upcoming draft.”
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 28: American Team Coach Jeff Fisher during the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game between the American Team and the National Team on January 28, 2023, at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
Players on both sides played their hearts out hoping to get their opportunity at the next level.
Some guys expect to get drafted and others hope to eventually latch onto a team as an undrafted free agent.
From here, the work continues as the NFL Draft nears.
Seattle, WA – To close out a five-game homestand and send themselves into the All-Star break positively, the Seattle Kraken were able to dictate play nearly all night long against the Columbus Blue Jackets. While it wasn’t a blowout effort like we have seen this Kraken team be capable of, Seattle hardly ever looked like they were challenged and had their way in the offensive zone. A turnover in the neutral zone gave Columbus their only goal, but otherwise Seattle controlled this contest all the way through.
Kraken forward Alexander Wennberg, playing in the 600th NHL game of his career, has been a key part to this homestand for Seattle. Impacting the game on both ends of the ice, Wennberg has had his name all over the stat sheet in every single game of the homestand. Although his scoring production isn’t the biggest part of his game, Wennberg was able to make his 600th career game just a bit sweeter as he scored the second Kraken goal of the night. Seattle had kept Columbus hemmed into their own zone, cycled the puck around, and it was Jordan Eberle passing to a wide-open Wennberg in the crease for the score. Seattle head coach Dave Hakstol discussed Wennberg’s goal in the postgame press conference.
“We found a play inside, we had some really good looks inside tonight and that one, we finished off the play. It was an important goal in the
hockey game, nice to see Wenny get a little momentum offensively,” Hakstol said.
Seattle’s story of getting contributions from all over their four forward lines continued in tonight’s matchup, as two unheralded skaters helped start the night offensively for the Kraken, as well as solidify the result. Morgan Geekie, a player that’s seen his playing time fluctuate throughout the season, lit the lamp first for Seattle as his wrist shot in stride was able to beat Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. Eeli Tolvanen, a player claimed off of waivers just a few short weeks ago, took advantage of a turnover and was able to use his nasty release on a wrist shot in the slot to beat Merzlikins. Teammate Alex Wennberg discussed Tolvanen’s impact on the team.
“He’s had a hell of an impact. That line has really been playing well, he’s also been scoring big goals. I feel like the goal today was a game changer. We got a little bit of breathing room right there, and he’s just that kind of player. If you give him one chance, he has that shot. He’s been really good for this team and we really like having him,” Wennberg said.
The Kraken will now head into the All-Star break, not playing a game until February 7th on the road. Kraken forward Matty Beniers was selected to the All-Star festivities, but it’s unclear whether he will participate or not due to the head injury he suffered against Vancouver. Seattle’s next contest is on February 7th against the New York Islanders with a puck drop of 4:30PM PST, as the Kraken kick off a five-game road trip.
La Jolla, CA – On a strange day the leader group just couldn’t find their rhythm all round. Playing in the second to last group Max Homa snatched the Farmers Open 2023 Championship shooting a final round 66 (-13). He left the leaders
Now with this win Homa has won 4 tournaments in California with 2 more wins added to his total. The field was even and fugitively behind him all day during this round.
Max Homa teeing off on hole 5 during round 3 on Friday at Torrey Pines South Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“It was cool, I’m not going to cry.” Said Homa, “It’s a ton of patience and a lot of confidence.”
Sam Ryder held on till a out of play ball at the 15th hole that resulted in double bogey (6). He was forced to lay up but caught a bad break with non favorable line. This led to a three-stroke change and major shift for today’s championship.
“It’s a hard golf course, I just had to keep hitting putts and making shots.” said Homa, “I’m very proud of myself and my team.”
Ryder during round 2 on Thursday at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
The final group Ryder tied 4th at (-9) shooting a final round 75, Jon Rahm tied for 7th with (-8) shooting a 74 and Tony Finau (-7) with a round of 73. They were +6 as a group in this final round.
“But just didn’t get it done.” said Ryder, “I battled pretty hard, I just couldn’t really get confident on the greens.”
After the round Homa could not beaming with that smile touching the crowd and signing away for the fans. The kids were all reaching at the gate loving that he was signing autographs for the fans.
Homa took advantage of the par 3 today scoring birdies to help push his relentless mentality on his round to finish on top and collect the Trophy and a 500 points of FedEx points for this season competition sitting in No. 2 spot.
LA JOLLA, CA – January 26 Farmers Open during round 2 on Thursday at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
The PGA Tour continues on its west coast swing with Pro-Am at Pebble Beach.
Seattle, WA – Things appeared to be backwards in Friday’s divisional game matchup between the visiting Calgary Flames and the hosting Seattle Kraken. Instead of Seattle coming out and taking advantage of a Calgary team playing in the second game of a back-to-back, the Flames took the fight to the Kraken. After Seattle’s John Hayden scored the first goal of the game, Calgary went on to score three unanswered while stymying the Kraken offensive attack in the process. With the loss and Los Angeles Kings win, Seattle falls to second place in the Pacific Division.
Kraken forward John Hayden had two near miss chances against the Colorado Avalanche last Saturday and seemed like he had brought good energy to Seattle. After a few games as a healthy scratch, Hayden came back into the lineup and instantly impacted the game for the Kraken, tipping in a Will Borgen shot to beat Calgary goaltender Dan Vladar. A heads up play by someone that is very well just filling in while forwards Jaden Schwartz and Matty Beniers are injured, Hayden made the most out of his second start this year for Seattle and did so early on. Rather than talk about his personal achievement, Hayden discussed the team’s struggles, postgame with the media.
“I just think that it was an incomplete effort. Lost too much of the game, missing out on the fundamentals. This team’s had a ton of success in January, and this just seems like an anomaly,” said Hayden.
Seattle’s top defenseman pairing of Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson has been excellent nearly all year long, so it makes sense for them to
have a few “off nights” mixed into the 82-game season. Tonight’s matchup happened to be one of those off nights, as the top pairing had an uncharacteristically bad night. The first mistake occurred on the first Flames goal of the night, as Adam Larsson pinched high as Calgary entered the zone, allowing Elias Lindholm to walk by him and beat Martin Jones. The second incident occurred on Calgary’s fourth goal, the nail in Seattle’s coffin, as both Dunn and Larsson pinched on the Flames skater that entered the zone, leaving Noah Hanifin wide open to slam a shot past Jones. Instead of singling anyone out, Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol stated that the whole team needed to be better.
“We weren’t very good tonight, that’s all. Our group wasn’t good. Especially the middle portion of the game, we had no energy. Top to bottom, it’s all of us… We didn’t make it real hard on them. I’m not taking anything away from them, believe me. We didn’t have any pace to our game, our puck play was sloppy. Anything that we put into the zone on the forecheck we had very little speed onto. Like I said, we weren’t very good tonight, bottom line,” Hakstol stated.
Seattle won’t have any time to get their breath after this one, as they play the second game of a back-to-back tomorrow, Saturday January 28th, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Puck drop is at 7PM PST as Seattle will face off against one of the teams in the “Connor Bedard race,” aka the hunt to get the number one overall selection in the upcoming NHL draft. It will be Matty Beniers bobblehead night at Climate Pledge Arena, but unfortunately Beniers will be unable to play due to a head injury.
LA JOLLA, CA - January 26 Farmers Open during round 3 on Friday at Torrey Pines South Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
La Jolla, CA – Anything can happen on Moving Day, Saturday leader boards will drive your crazy. Today’s third round on a Friday for the Farmers Open 2023 at Torrey Pines. After 54 holes Sam Ryder 64-68-72 (-12) is still the tournament leader holding steady from tee to green.
“Today it’s just a different level of pressure. I didn’t feel like I had to go try and make something happen or press,” said Ryder, “I’m very pleased and starting the day with a lead, ending the day with a lead, pretty satisfied.”
Ryder during round 3 on Friday at Torrey Pines South Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
So the biggest move of the day was Tony Finau 73-71-64 (-8) moving 8 shots on day 3. Starting the round on the back 9 didn’t change his mood. Tony snatched up four birdies getting his round off to a good start. Then on front side he eagled hole #1 to reach (-6) under with eight holes to play. Finishing the day strong with a birdie finish on the 9th.
“The juices stared to flow a little bit as I was making kind of a run there.” said Finau, “So these greens are just that way and fortunately for me I was able to make some more today.”
Finau during round 3 on Friday at Torrey Pines South Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Making a normal charge was Jon Rahm 73-67-66 (-10) who has won his last two starts this season. On the front side starting at (-4) under went on fire on the front side. Rahm went birdie, birdie, birdie, eagle on holes 6-9. He found one more birdie on the back nine to finish the round and play himself into the final group.
“I stayed really patient out there and took advantage of the holes I could take advantage of and played what I would say was very smart throughout the round.” Said Rahm.
Rahm during round 3 on Friday at Torrey Pines South Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
There are fours other golfers tied for 4th at (-7) waiting to strike from the earlier groups. Sungjae Im, Collin Morikawa, Max Homa and Sahith Theegala all will be ready for a great finish.
The weather today was great reward for the golfers who made the weekend.
Theegala during round 3 on Friday at Torrey Pines South Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Now Ryder will have to match Rahm shot for shot for the chance to hold the trophy after day 4. They last group will tee off at 11:20am just in time for lunch and big gallery to follow them around on the South course.
Let’s see if Ryder can get his first PGA Tour title!
LA JOLLA, CA - Sam Ryder tees off on January 26 Farmers Open during round 2 on Thursday at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
La Jolla, CA – The course at Torrey Pines looks nice a plush under the sun for day two of the Farmers Open. What most couldn’t account for was the wind that was no match for Sam Ryder who held the lead despite playing today of tougher South Course.
Ryder 64-68–132( -12) played a nice a steady round navigating the South by birding the third hole and then another one on 10th. He took complete control on hole 13th & 14th with back-to-back birdies.
LA JOLLA, CA – Sam Ryder on January 26 Farmers Open during round 2 on Thursday at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“Yeah, it feels great. The thing I’ve been kind of telling myself is to just try and embrace it.” Said Ryder “I feel like if I put it in the fairway, I can attack.”
His playing partner Brendan Steele 65-70—135 (-9) started the day one shot off the lead and was up and down during the round. It was a big help playing with Ryder to allow him to know to keep a level head and stay in striking distance for the weekend.
“Some weird stuff, but I played really nice and excited to be where I am going into the weekend.” Said Steele.
LA JOLLA, CA – On January 26 Farmers Open Brendan Steele watches his tee shot during round 2 on Thursday at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Tano Goya 70-67–137 (-7) was one of the few to make a move playing on the easier North Course on Thursday. He made one of the biggest move from (-2) to start the round. Firing off 6 birdies during this second round. Goya shares the low round for Thursday with Jon Rahm from the North going into the weekend.
The weather gave all the golfers a little to think about when the wind kept picking up making the course just a little long for the field. With the cut line at even-par allowed 73 professionals hanging around for a shot at the $8.7 million purse with $1,566,000 to the winner.
LA JOLLA, CA – January 26 Farmers Open during round 2 on Thursday at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
After the first 36 holes who know what’s going to be instore for the field on Friday and Saturday.
“I’m not going to really change my approach a whole lot.” Said Ryder, “So just going to try and take it in stride and see if I can keep myself in a good position and stay aggressive.”
Los Angeles, CA – The eyes of the Los Angeles hoops scene went from the Crypto.com Arena a few nights ago to the Galen Center where USC upset crosstown rival #8 UCLA 77-64.
UCLA controlled the game early as the Tyger Campbell and the Bruins looked like the better team on both sides of the floor.
Photo by Chanel Foster / fi360 News
The Bruins went into half with a 37-25 lead with Campbell leading the team in scoring with ten points to go along with three assists and two steals. David Singleton knocked down three 3s early to help.
The Trojans missed open shots and left defenders open. It looked like the rout was on for UCLA.
But like the game easier in the year at Pauley Pavilion, the second half was an entirely different story as the Trojans dominated the team from Westwood.
In that game, USC nearly came back from an 18-point deficit before falling short, 60-58.
This time around the team got a special performance from a special player to make sure the come back was complete.
Guard Boogie Ellis like the rest of his team started slow with four points in the first half but finished the game with a career-high 31 points to go with six assists and four rebounds.
Photo by Chanel Foster / fi360 News
“I felt like the UCLA game, that definitely was on me,” said Ellis of the team’s early season loss against their rival. “But, it’s basketball. You will have your highs and lows, but you always gotta stay right in the middle. So I’m blessed and I’m glad that I was able to help get this one for my team.”
Ellis’ 27 second half points matched the total scored by the Bruins. Another impressive feat Ellis achieved was having zero turnovers on his career night.
USC won the second half by nearly 30 points outscoring the eighth-ranked team in America, 51-27.
The Trojan guard wasn’t alone in his efforts as teammate Drew Peterson chipped in with 16 points.
Defensive adjustments made in the second half also played a huge part in the win for USC.
Photo by Chanel Foster / fi360 News
“We really started to hard hedge the ball screens, tried to put pressure on their guards, so (Tyger) Campbell couldn’t get in the lane and the other guys,” said Trojans coach Andy Enfield. Our big players, our centers Josh (Morgan) and Vince (Iwuchukwu) did a really good job of getting out on the ball screens and getting back before they could reverse the ball or throw it into their bigs at the rim.”
Campbell finished the game with 14 points and Singleton only made one three-point field goal after halftime.
Photo by Chanel Foster / fi360 News
“We just didn’t get the job done. They turned up the heat, they created deflections. We didn’t handle it. Then they got going. Once they got going, the crowd got behind them. They made some un-guardable shots” said UCLA coach Mick Cronin.
But the star of the night was Ellis who boogied all over the floor and led his team to a resume building win.
Photo by Chanel Foster / fi360 News
“We were supposed to be more aggressive on him. We played him soft and he made his play. And that’s what he does when you are playing soft” coach Cronin said.
Now both teams will look to finish strong to compete for the regular season Pac-12 title.
