Daytona Beach, FL, United States (AHN) - With his fourth win of the season Todd Bodine extended his lead in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points race.
The former champion, who has 2,898 points, extended his points lead from 236 to 261 over Aric Almirola, who has 2,637. Rounding out the top-five in points are Johnny Sauter (2,580), Timothy Peters (2,533) and Ron Hornaday Jr. (2,461).
Austin Dillon sits sixth with 2,458 points and in seventh is Matt Crafton (2,458), followed by Mike Skinner (2,334), David Starr (2,254) and Jason White (2,133).
In positions 11-20 are: Justin Lofton (2,107), Ricky Carmichael (2,097), James Buescher (1,950), Mario Gosselin (1,920), Ryan Sieg (1,885), Jennifer Jo Cobb (1,695), Kyle Busch (1,673), Norm Benning (1,623), Brett Butler (1,409) and Stacy Compton (1,357).
In points positions 21-30 is a group that includes: Brent Raymer (1,318), Donny Lia (1,294), Dennis Setzer (864), Brian Ickler (834), Ken Schrader (800), Tayler Malsam (798), Elliott Sadler (782), Narain Karthikeyan (757), Kevin Harvick (755) and J.C. Stout (747).
In spots 31-40 are Johnny Benson Jr. (735), Brad Sweet (705), Mike Garvey (732), Brad Sweet (705), Chris Jones (690), Mike Harmon (682), Rick Crawford (669), Chris Fontaine (603), Max Papis (562), Tony Jackson Jr. (547), Nelson Piquet (541), Clay Greenfield (540), Brad Keselowski (504), Chris Eggleston (496), Carl Long (496) and Steve Wallace (477).
Daytona Beach, FL, United States (AHN) - With his fourth win of the season Todd Bodine extended his lead in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points race.
The former champion, who has 2,898 points, extended his points lead from 236 to 261 over Aric Almirola, who has 2,637. Rounding out the top-five in points are Johnny Sauter (2,580), Timothy Peters (2,533) and Ron Hornaday Jr. (2,461).
Austin Dillon sits sixth with 2,458 points and in seventh is Matt Crafton (2,458), followed by Mike Skinner (2,334), David Starr (2,254) and Jason White (2,133).
In positions 11-20 are: Justin Lofton (2,107), Ricky Carmichael (2,097), James Buescher (1,950), Mario Gosselin (1,920), Ryan Sieg (1,885), Jennifer Jo Cobb (1,695), Kyle Busch (1,673), Norm Benning (1,623), Brett Butler (1,409) and Stacy Compton (1,357).
In points positions 21-30 is a group that includes: Brent Raymer (1,318), Donny Lia (1,294), Dennis Setzer (864), Brian Ickler (834), Ken Schrader (800), Tayler Malsam (798), Elliott Sadler (782), Narain Karthikeyan (757), Kevin Harvick (755) and J.C. Stout (747).
In spots 31-40 are Johnny Benson Jr. (735), Brad Sweet (705), Mike Garvey (732), Brad Sweet (705), Chris Jones (690), Mike Harmon (682), Rick Crawford (669), Chris Fontaine (603), Max Papis (562), Tony Jackson Jr. (547), Nelson Piquet (541), Clay Greenfield (540), Brad Keselowski (504), Chris Eggleston (496), Carl Long (496) and Steve Wallace (477).
Daytona Beach, FL, United States (AHN) - Carl Edwards gained a little bit of ground but another solid run by Brad Keselowski allowed the points leader to maintain a solid lead in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Keselowski\'s lead fell from 365 to 332 over former series champion Edwards. He leads with 4,127 points and Edwards has 3,795, while Kyle Busch is third with 3,576 points. Justin Allgaier is fourth with 3,385 and rounding out the top-five in points is Paul Menard (3,309).
Kevin Harvick (3,073), Trevor Bayne (2,946), Steve Wallace (2,915), Joey Logano (2,872) and Jason Leffler (2,866) make up the top-10 in points.
In positions 11-20 are: Brendan Gaughan (2,784), Michael Annett (2,743), Brian Scott (2,628), Tony Raines (2,536), Reed Sorenson (2,512), Mike Bliss (2,512), Kenny Wallace (2,368), Mike Wallace (2,344), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2,245) and Michael McDowell (2,156).
Joe Nemechek (2,156), Colin Braun (1,928), Jason Keller (1,916), Eric McClure (1,860), Josh Wise (1,731), Shelby Howard (1,506), Robert Richardson Jr. (1,478), Mark Green (1,397), Greg Biffle (1,368) and Morgan Shepherd (1,357) make up positions 21-30.
Rounding out positions 31-45 are: Willie Allen (1,338), Scott Lagasse Jr. (1,328), Brian Keselowski (1,300), Jamie McMurray (1,234), Clint Bowyer (1,127), Tayler Malsam (981), James Buescher (903), John Wes Townley (866), Ryan Newman (865), Jeremy Clements (846), Danny O\'Quinn Jr. (798), Kevin Lepage (793), Parker Kligerman (753), Scott Riggs (741) and Kelly Bires (740).
Daytona Beach, FL, United States (AHN) - Carl Edwards gained a little bit of ground but another solid run by Brad Keselowski allowed the points leader to maintain a solid lead in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Keselowski\'s lead fell from 365 to 332 over former series champion Edwards. He leads with 4,127 points and Edwards has 3,795, while Kyle Busch is third with 3,576 points. Justin Allgaier is fourth with 3,385 and rounding out the top-five in points is Paul Menard (3,309).
Kevin Harvick (3,073), Trevor Bayne (2,946), Steve Wallace (2,915), Joey Logano (2,872) and Jason Leffler (2,866) make up the top-10 in points.
In positions 11-20 are: Brendan Gaughan (2,784), Michael Annett (2,743), Brian Scott (2,628), Tony Raines (2,536), Reed Sorenson (2,512), Mike Bliss (2,512), Kenny Wallace (2,368), Mike Wallace (2,344), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2,245) and Michael McDowell (2,156).
Joe Nemechek (2,156), Colin Braun (1,928), Jason Keller (1,916), Eric McClure (1,860), Josh Wise (1,731), Shelby Howard (1,506), Robert Richardson Jr. (1,478), Mark Green (1,397), Greg Biffle (1,368) and Morgan Shepherd (1,357) make up positions 21-30.
Rounding out positions 31-45 are: Willie Allen (1,338), Scott Lagasse Jr. (1,328), Brian Keselowski (1,300), Jamie McMurray (1,234), Clint Bowyer (1,127), Tayler Malsam (981), James Buescher (903), John Wes Townley (866), Ryan Newman (865), Jeremy Clements (846), Danny O\'Quinn Jr. (798), Kevin Lepage (793), Parker Kligerman (753), Scott Riggs (741) and Kelly Bires (740).
Washington, DC, United States (AHN) - After coaches saw an apparent lack of effort from Albert Haynesworth at the Redskins final preseason game, Washington decided to bench the $100 million defensive tackle for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
Haynesworth, 29, has been at war with newly-hired head coach Mike Shanahan since the team\'s switch to a 3-4 defnese.
The South Carolina product made headlines for failing to pass his conditioning test several times before finally participating in training camp.
Haynesworth was in on 49 of the 55 defensive plays for Washington, but the coaching staff did not see the same player Washington awarded a seven-year, $100 million contract to in 2009.
The 6-foot-6, 350-lb tackle had 8.5 sacks and 41 tackles in 2008, but managed just 4.0 sacks and 37 tackles in 12 games last season.
The Redskins open their season in a heated division match Sep. 12, hosting the Cowboys at 8:20 pm ET.
Washington, DC, United States (AHN) - After coaches saw an apparent lack of effort from Albert Haynesworth at the Redskins final preseason game, Washington decided to bench the $100 million defensive tackle for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
Haynesworth, 29, has been at war with newly-hired head coach Mike Shanahan since the team\'s switch to a 3-4 defnese.
The South Carolina product made headlines for failing to pass his conditioning test several times before finally participating in training camp.
Haynesworth was in on 49 of the 55 defensive plays for Washington, but the coaching staff did not see the same player Washington awarded a seven-year, $100 million contract to in 2009.
The 6-foot-6, 350-lb tackle had 8.5 sacks and 41 tackles in 2008, but managed just 4.0 sacks and 37 tackles in 12 games last season.
The Redskins open their season in a heated division match Sep. 12, hosting the Cowboys at 8:20 pm ET.
San Diego, CA, United States (AHN) - Wins don\'t come easy for San Diego lately, as the Padres dropped their 10th consecutive match Sunday, losing to the Colorado Rockies 4-2 at PETCO Park.
The Padres saw their decisive lead in the NL West standing shrink further, thanks to a lackluster performance in all facets of play: hitting, pitching and even fielding.
Over the last 10 games, the Padres have not collected timely hits in crucial situations, scoring about two runs per game during the stretch.
In Sunday\'s match against the Rockies, the Padres\' offense once again stalled in the late innings, allowing their division rival to record a sweep over the weekend.
The Pads also played poorly in the field, committing a pair of errors.
For the Padres, the 10-game losing streak was the worst they have since the 1994 season, where they posted a franchise-record 13 consecutive loss.
The Padres (76-59) are also in danger of slipping to third place in the division standing, with the Rockies (72-64) and San Francisco Giants (76-61) going strong this month.
If the Friars make the playoffs, they will become only the third team in MLB history to do it despite losing 10 or more regular-season games in a row.
General Manager Jed Hoyer didn\'t blame his team\'s effort for its recent woes, but admitted he was disappointed about the timing of the slide.
The Padres also missed the productivity and leadership of veteran slugger Jerry Hairston Jr, sidelined with a right elbow sprain.
Hairston, 24, is averaging just 249 but has solid overall stats with 10 home runs, 50 RBI, 31 walks, 52 runs in 115 games this season.
The most important number the Pads 0-9 mark without him in the lineup during the recent skid.
The Friars are scheduled to open a three-game series Monday against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers (56-81).
The Dodgers look to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to the Giants Sunday, but the Padres are also determined to end their nightmarish streak.
San Diego, CA, United States (AHN) - Wins don\'t come easy for San Diego lately, as the Padres dropped their 10th consecutive match Sunday, losing to the Colorado Rockies 4-2 at PETCO Park.
The Padres saw their decisive lead in the NL West standing shrink further, thanks to a lackluster performance in all facets of play: hitting, pitching and even fielding.
Over the last 10 games, the Padres have not collected timely hits in crucial situations, scoring about two runs per game during the stretch.
In Sunday\'s match against the Rockies, the Padres\' offense once again stalled in the late innings, allowing their division rival to record a sweep over the weekend.
The Pads also played poorly in the field, committing a pair of errors.
For the Padres, the 10-game losing streak was the worst they have since the 1994 season, where they posted a franchise-record 13 consecutive loss.
The Padres (76-59) are also in danger of slipping to third place in the division standing, with the Rockies (72-64) and San Francisco Giants (76-61) going strong this month.
If the Friars make the playoffs, they will become only the third team in MLB history to do it despite losing 10 or more regular-season games in a row.
General Manager Jed Hoyer didn\'t blame his team\'s effort for its recent woes, but admitted he was disappointed about the timing of the slide.
The Padres also missed the productivity and leadership of veteran slugger Jerry Hairston Jr, sidelined with a right elbow sprain.
Hairston, 24, is averaging just 249 but has solid overall stats with 10 home runs, 50 RBI, 31 walks, 52 runs in 115 games this season.
The most important number the Pads 0-9 mark without him in the lineup during the recent skid.
The Friars are scheduled to open a three-game series Monday against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers (56-81).
The Dodgers look to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to the Giants Sunday, but the Padres are also determined to end their nightmarish streak.
ON, Canada (AHN) - Free agent veteran forward Owen Nolan, who last played for the Minnesota Wild, is waiting for word an NHL suitor for the upcoming season.
Nolan, 38, who completed his two years with the Wild, is reportedly hoping to return to San Jose and capture the elusive Stanley Cup with the Sharks.
Nolan emerged as a dominant presence for the Sharks upon his arrival in San Jose following a trade with the Quebec Nordiques, later renamed the Colorado Avalanche, who made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 draft.
The former Sharks captain scored 206 goals and 451 points in 568 contests with San Jose between 1995 and 2003. He was later traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Owen\'s return to the Sharks seems unlikely as San Jose apparently plans to give prospects Cameron Macintyre and Frazer McLaren a chance to contend for a roster spot Nolan might have filled, according to Mercury News.com.
The five-time NHL All-Star also played for the Phoenix Coyotes and Calgary Flames before inking a two-year, $5.5 million pact with the Wild in July 2008.
In his NHL career, Nolan has compiled 422 goals and 885 points in 1200 regular-season games.
He has also registered 21 goals and 19 assists in 65 NHL playoff tilts.
ON, Canada (AHN) - Free agent veteran forward Owen Nolan, who last played for the Minnesota Wild, is waiting for word an NHL suitor for the upcoming season.
Nolan, 38, who completed his two years with the Wild, is reportedly hoping to return to San Jose and capture the elusive Stanley Cup with the Sharks.
Nolan emerged as a dominant presence for the Sharks upon his arrival in San Jose following a trade with the Quebec Nordiques, later renamed the Colorado Avalanche, who made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 draft.
The former Sharks captain scored 206 goals and 451 points in 568 contests with San Jose between 1995 and 2003. He was later traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Owen\'s return to the Sharks seems unlikely as San Jose apparently plans to give prospects Cameron Macintyre and Frazer McLaren a chance to contend for a roster spot Nolan might have filled, according to Mercury News.com.
The five-time NHL All-Star also played for the Phoenix Coyotes and Calgary Flames before inking a two-year, $5.5 million pact with the Wild in July 2008.
In his NHL career, Nolan has compiled 422 goals and 885 points in 1200 regular-season games.
He has also registered 21 goals and 19 assists in 65 NHL playoff tilts.
San Diego, CA, United States (AHN) - Talks of trading disgruntled Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson have reportedly reached an impasse after no deal was reached Saturday.
Conflicting reports came out Sunday as to why the holdout Pro Bowler was not traded.
According NBC San Diego.com, reports surfaced that the Chargers did not exert effort in dealing the former Northern Colorado standout, who was selected by San Diego in the 2005 Draft.
On the other hand, various reports, including the San Diego Union-Tribune.com, indicated that the 27-year-old Jackson, who was given a first-and-third tender by the Chargers in March, has priced himself out of a trade.
One of the teams interested in Jackson was Seattle, but the Seahawks decided to pull out after hearing of the receiver\'s asking price, according to the Union-Tribune
The Rams and Vikings have also reportedly explored trade options with Jackson, but publicly indicated recently that their interest on the 2009 Pro-Bowler has waned.
Jackson, who was deemed a restricted free agent due to the absence of a CBA in 2011, is reportedly seeking a five-year contract worth about $50 million.
As a result of the contract dispute with the Chargers, Jackson held out all of training camp and the preseason.
Jackson is expected to miss out at least six contests this season. The NFL handed out a three-game suspension on Jackson for his second DUI.
He must also sit three more tilts after failing to report to the team by Saturday\'s 3 p.m. deadline. The Chargers placed Jackson on the roster exempt list.
San Diego, CA, United States (AHN) - Talks of trading disgruntled Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson have reportedly reached an impasse after no deal was reached Saturday.
Conflicting reports came out Sunday as to why the holdout Pro Bowler was not traded.
According NBC San Diego.com, reports surfaced that the Chargers did not exert effort in dealing the former Northern Colorado standout, who was selected by San Diego in the 2005 Draft.
On the other hand, various reports, including the San Diego Union-Tribune.com, indicated that the 27-year-old Jackson, who was given a first-and-third tender by the Chargers in March, has priced himself out of a trade.
One of the teams interested in Jackson was Seattle, but the Seahawks decided to pull out after hearing of the receiver\'s asking price, according to the Union-Tribune
The Rams and Vikings have also reportedly explored trade options with Jackson, but publicly indicated recently that their interest on the 2009 Pro-Bowler has waned.
Jackson, who was deemed a restricted free agent due to the absence of a CBA in 2011, is reportedly seeking a five-year contract worth about $50 million.
As a result of the contract dispute with the Chargers, Jackson held out all of training camp and the preseason.
Jackson is expected to miss out at least six contests this season. The NFL handed out a three-game suspension on Jackson for his second DUI.
He must also sit three more tilts after failing to report to the team by Saturday\'s 3 p.m. deadline. The Chargers placed Jackson on the roster exempt list.
Houston, TX, United States (AHN) - The Houston Texans acquired former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, who was waived by the Arizona Cardinals Saturday.
The team and quarterback reportedly agreed to a one-year deal Monday.
The Texans add Leinart to their quarterbacking corps, which already includes starter Matt Schaub and backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky.
According to CBSsportsline.com Sunday, Seahawks executives were divided over the idea of enlisting Leinart, leaving the door open to the Texans.
Leinart, 27, rose to prominence during his college years, where he helped Pete Carroll\'s USC Trojans capture the BCS National Championship in 2004.
Carroll, who replaced Jim Mora as Seahawks football coach in January, was reportedly interested in his former protégé, but G.M. John Schneider may have scuttled the plan.
The Texans had a roster spot after they declined to re-sign quarterback John David Booty, a move that ignited speculation the team was preparing to ink Leinart.
The Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans were also linked to the former USC standout, although none of them confirmed the reports.
Houston, TX, United States (AHN) - The Houston Texans acquired former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, who was waived by the Arizona Cardinals Saturday.
The team and quarterback reportedly agreed to a one-year deal Monday.
The Texans add Leinart to their quarterbacking corps, which already includes starter Matt Schaub and backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky.
According to CBSsportsline.com Sunday, Seahawks executives were divided over the idea of enlisting Leinart, leaving the door open to the Texans.
Leinart, 27, rose to prominence during his college years, where he helped Pete Carroll\'s USC Trojans capture the BCS National Championship in 2004.
Carroll, who replaced Jim Mora as Seahawks football coach in January, was reportedly interested in his former protégé, but G.M. John Schneider may have scuttled the plan.
The Texans had a roster spot after they declined to re-sign quarterback John David Booty, a move that ignited speculation the team was preparing to ink Leinart.
The Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans were also linked to the former USC standout, although none of them confirmed the reports.
Manchester, United Kingdom (AHN) - A sex scandal involving star striker Wayne Rooney has rocked English soccer on the eve of their 2012 European Championship Qualifier with Switzerland.
Two media outlets allege Rooney, 24, had sexual relations with a prostitute while his wife, Colleen, was pregnant.
Neither Wayne or Colleen, who were childhood sweethearts, have yet commented on the allegations.
These are not the first such allegations to be made about the Manchester United/England forward, with stories alleging he has slept with mature prostitutes in the past dogging his career.
The latest allegations threatened to see Rooney pull out of England\'s Tuesday evening match-up with Switzerland in Basel, although that is now thought unlikely.
The England team was rocked with similar problems in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup when it emerged that captain John Terry had a previous affair with the partner of teammate Wayne Bridge.
The scandal caused Bridge to retire from international soccer, whilst Terry lost the captaincy to Steven Gerrard.
Manchester, United Kingdom (AHN) - A sex scandal involving star striker Wayne Rooney has rocked English soccer on the eve of their 2012 European Championship Qualifier with Switzerland.
Two media outlets allege Rooney, 24, had sexual relations with a prostitute while his wife, Colleen, was pregnant.
Neither Wayne or Colleen, who were childhood sweethearts, have yet commented on the allegations.
These are not the first such allegations to be made about the Manchester United/England forward, with stories alleging he has slept with mature prostitutes in the past dogging his career.
The latest allegations threatened to see Rooney pull out of England\'s Tuesday evening match-up with Switzerland in Basel, although that is now thought unlikely.
The England team was rocked with similar problems in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup when it emerged that captain John Terry had a previous affair with the partner of teammate Wayne Bridge.
The scandal caused Bridge to retire from international soccer, whilst Terry lost the captaincy to Steven Gerrard.
NY, NY, United States (AHN) - After a summer of watching, waiting and worrying the New York Jets will finally get their main defensive cog in uniform this week.
All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis agreed to a 7-year, $46 million contract ($32 million guaranteed) with the team over the weekend and is expected to be ready for next Monday\'s opener vs. the Ravens.
Revis, who began his holdout August 1 in an apparent bid to be a top paid player at his position in the NFL, was wooed throughout the summer by the Jets, particularly head coach Rex Ryan.
Jets owner Woody Johnson was well aware of the situation and put on a full-court press with a weekend visit with the coach to see Revis.
The move apparently paid off, for both sides, and a team that publicly voiced its concerns about what missing Revis would have meant to its top-ranked defense---on the HBO series \'Hard Knocks\'---can breathe easier.
Revis is an emerging superstar with two Pro Bowl selections and an AFC Defensive Player of the Year award.
His next tackle will be the 200th of his career, and Revis has 14 career interceptions despite the fact few quarterbacks visit "Revis Island" by not throwing often to the receiver he is defending.
NY, NY, United States (AHN) - After a summer of watching, waiting and worrying the New York Jets will finally get their main defensive cog in uniform this week.
All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis agreed to a 7-year, $46 million contract ($32 million guaranteed) with the team over the weekend and is expected to be ready for next Monday\'s opener vs. the Ravens.
Revis, who began his holdout August 1 in an apparent bid to be a top paid player at his position in the NFL, was wooed throughout the summer by the Jets, particularly head coach Rex Ryan.
Jets owner Woody Johnson was well aware of the situation and put on a full-court press with a weekend visit with the coach to see Revis.
The move apparently paid off, for both sides, and a team that publicly voiced its concerns about what missing Revis would have meant to its top-ranked defense---on the HBO series \'Hard Knocks\'---can breathe easier.
Revis is an emerging superstar with two Pro Bowl selections and an AFC Defensive Player of the Year award.
His next tackle will be the 200th of his career, and Revis has 14 career interceptions despite the fact few quarterbacks visit "Revis Island" by not throwing often to the receiver he is defending.
Houston, TX, United States (AHN) - Geovanni Deiberson, in his first Major League Soccer start since arriving in San Jose, scored the go-ahead goal in the 64th minute, helping the Earthquakes get back in the winning column with a 2-1 win over the Houston Dynamo Sunday at Robertson Stadium.
Geovanni, signed as the \'Quakes Designated Player, also recorded his first MLS assist following a feed to Khari Stephenson at the penalty spot that resulted in a 1-0 advantage for San Jose in the 6th minute.
After the Dynamo finally found the back of the net just before halftime, Geovanni collared the ball inside the area and shattered the deadlock with a first-time stab in the 64th minute.
Brad Davis accounted for the lone goal by the Dynamo, whose playoff hopes have all but evaporated.
Houston has been successful only once in its last 13 matches.
The Dynamo will have a week off before playing the Chicago Fire.
Meanwhile, the Earthquakes, who had a brief two-game winning streak halted the last time out, pushed five points clear of the next two teams trailing them for the final spot following the Sunday\'s win.
San Jose will try to carry the momentum when it returns home to face against FC Dallas next weekend.
Houston, TX, United States (AHN) - Geovanni Deiberson, in his first Major League Soccer start since arriving in San Jose, scored the go-ahead goal in the 64th minute, helping the Earthquakes get back in the winning column with a 2-1 win over the Houston Dynamo Sunday at Robertson Stadium.
Geovanni, signed as the \'Quakes Designated Player, also recorded his first MLS assist following a feed to Khari Stephenson at the penalty spot that resulted in a 1-0 advantage for San Jose in the 6th minute.
After the Dynamo finally found the back of the net just before halftime, Geovanni collared the ball inside the area and shattered the deadlock with a first-time stab in the 64th minute.
Brad Davis accounted for the lone goal by the Dynamo, whose playoff hopes have all but evaporated.
Houston has been successful only once in its last 13 matches.
The Dynamo will have a week off before playing the Chicago Fire.
Meanwhile, the Earthquakes, who had a brief two-game winning streak halted the last time out, pushed five points clear of the next two teams trailing them for the final spot following the Sunday\'s win.
San Jose will try to carry the momentum when it returns home to face against FC Dallas next weekend.
Hampton, GA, United States (AHN) - It had been about a year since Tony Stewart last got to Victory Lane, and Sunday night he used some great pit stops to get track position and win the Emory Healthcare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Stewart had to fend fight off a couple of late restarts and led 175 of 325 laps in scoring his first Sprint Cup win of the season.
"I didn\'t hit a restart all night until right there at the end,\'\' said Stewart, who gained two spots in the points standing to fourth. "It was that last stop that got us that track position. I\'ve never been so happy to win in my life.\'\'
Stewart held off former Atlanta winner Carl Edwards for the win as Stewart scored his third Atlanta win and got a boost heading into The Chase in two weeks.
Edwards led 28 laps, was in a position to win and was happy with that as he prepares for another run at The Chase.
"That was fun. Tony just had such a fast car there at the end,\'\' said Edwards. "We\'re back. We\'re scoring points and we\'re contended for wins. I\'m excited about going to Richmond and real excited about starting The Chase.\'\'
Four-time series defending champion Jimmie Johnson ran third and was followed by Jeff Burton and Kyle Busch.
The top-10 drivers in the points standings locked down spots in The Chase and rounding out the top-10 finishers at Atlanta were Kurt Busch Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, Juan Montoya and Marcos Ambrose.
"It was really a good night. There were times where we lost a handle on the car,\'\' said Johnson. "Glad to get a good run on a track that\'s been tough on us.\'\'
Hampton, GA, United States (AHN) - It had been about a year since Tony Stewart last got to Victory Lane, and Sunday night he used some great pit stops to get track position and win the Emory Healthcare 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Stewart had to fend fight off a couple of late restarts and led 175 of 325 laps in scoring his first Sprint Cup win of the season.
"I didn\'t hit a restart all night until right there at the end,\'\' said Stewart, who gained two spots in the points standing to fourth. "It was that last stop that got us that track position. I\'ve never been so happy to win in my life.\'\'
Stewart held off former Atlanta winner Carl Edwards for the win as Stewart scored his third Atlanta win and got a boost heading into The Chase in two weeks.
Edwards led 28 laps, was in a position to win and was happy with that as he prepares for another run at The Chase.
"That was fun. Tony just had such a fast car there at the end,\'\' said Edwards. "We\'re back. We\'re scoring points and we\'re contended for wins. I\'m excited about going to Richmond and real excited about starting The Chase.\'\'
Four-time series defending champion Jimmie Johnson ran third and was followed by Jeff Burton and Kyle Busch.
The top-10 drivers in the points standings locked down spots in The Chase and rounding out the top-10 finishers at Atlanta were Kurt Busch Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, Juan Montoya and Marcos Ambrose.
"It was really a good night. There were times where we lost a handle on the car,\'\' said Johnson. "Glad to get a good run on a track that\'s been tough on us.\'\'
New York, NY, United States (AHN) - Angel McCoughtry scored 21 points and had five boards, leading the well-rested Atlanta Dream to an 81-75 win over the New York Liberty Sunday night at Madison Square Garden in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Sancho Lyttle posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds in the win
Erika de Souza also had a double-double after coming off the bench to score 12 and hauling i11 boards for the victors, who reached the conference finals after sweeping Washington.
Despite struggling at the end of the regular season, Atlanta managed to claim the conference\'s last seed.
Meanwhile, the Liberty, who went the limit against Indiana, were paced by Leilani Mitchell, who logged a gamme-best 23 points.
Game 2 of the series shifts to Atlanta Tuesday.
In Phoenix, Ariz., Sue Bird drilled the tie-breaking three-pointer in the final seconds, helping the Seattle Storm advance into the WNBA Finals with a thrilling 91-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury Sunday in Game 2 of the West Finals.
Bird finished with 16 points and eight helpers, while Swin Cash paced the Storm with 20 points.
Lauren Jackson, the 2010 WNBA MVP added 20 points and eight boards for the victors, who negated the effort by Diana Taurasi, who unloaded a game-best 28 points.
Taurasi, the league\'s leading scorer during the regular season, missed a potential game-tying three-pointer as time expired.
Trailing after three periods, 71-61, Seattle came back in the decisive final frame with Cash tying it at 88-88 following a layup with 36 seconds left.
Bird drained the game-winning three-pointer with 2.8 ticks left
The Storm outscored the Mercury 30-17 in the fourth quarter.
The Storm, appearing in the finals for the first time since winning it all in 2004, will face the winner of the East Conference finals between Atlanta and New York.
New York, NY, United States (AHN) - Angel McCoughtry scored 21 points and had five boards, leading the well-rested Atlanta Dream to an 81-75 win over the New York Liberty Sunday night at Madison Square Garden in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Sancho Lyttle posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds in the win
Erika de Souza also had a double-double after coming off the bench to score 12 and hauling i11 boards for the victors, who reached the conference finals after sweeping Washington.
Despite struggling at the end of the regular season, Atlanta managed to claim the conference\'s last seed.
Meanwhile, the Liberty, who went the limit against Indiana, were paced by Leilani Mitchell, who logged a gamme-best 23 points.
Game 2 of the series shifts to Atlanta Tuesday.
In Phoenix, Ariz., Sue Bird drilled the tie-breaking three-pointer in the final seconds, helping the Seattle Storm advance into the WNBA Finals with a thrilling 91-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury Sunday in Game 2 of the West Finals.
Bird finished with 16 points and eight helpers, while Swin Cash paced the Storm with 20 points.
Lauren Jackson, the 2010 WNBA MVP added 20 points and eight boards for the victors, who negated the effort by Diana Taurasi, who unloaded a game-best 28 points.
Taurasi, the league\'s leading scorer during the regular season, missed a potential game-tying three-pointer as time expired.
Trailing after three periods, 71-61, Seattle came back in the decisive final frame with Cash tying it at 88-88 following a layup with 36 seconds left.
Bird drained the game-winning three-pointer with 2.8 ticks left
The Storm outscored the Mercury 30-17 in the fourth quarter.
The Storm, appearing in the finals for the first time since winning it all in 2004, will face the winner of the East Conference finals between Atlanta and New York.
St. Louis, MO, United States (AHN) - Matt Holliday detonated a three-run homer in the sixth to back the solid outing of Chris Carpenter, as the St. Louis Cardinals took the rubbermatch of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 Sunday at Busch Stadium.
It was the 25th homer of the season for Holliday, who stepped up to the plate after the Reds intentionally walked Albert Pujols in the sixth inning.
That 418-foot home run from Holliday off losing pitcher Homer Bailey gave a 4-2 lead to the Cardinals, who held on for the win.
Carpenter (15-5), who boasted a career 11-3 record with a 2.00 ERA in 17 starts against St. Louis entering Sunday, took over from there by striking out five straight batters in the sixth and seventh.
The Redbirds right-hander, making his major-leading 30th start of the season, struck out a season-high 11 while yielding two runs on six hits without walking a batter in 7 1-3 innings.
Ryan Franklin registered his 24th save for the Cardinals, who took the season series against St. Louis, 12-6.
Bailey (3-3), who posted a 2-0 mark since coming off the 15-day DL with a shoulder problem in August, was charged with all four runs on five hits while walking one and striking out four over six frames for the Reds.
Apart from winning the series against the NL Central-leading Reds, the Cardinals also pulled within seven games of Cincinnati.
St. Louis, MO, United States (AHN) - Matt Holliday detonated a three-run homer in the sixth to back the solid outing of Chris Carpenter, as the St. Louis Cardinals took the rubbermatch of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 Sunday at Busch Stadium.
It was the 25th homer of the season for Holliday, who stepped up to the plate after the Reds intentionally walked Albert Pujols in the sixth inning.
That 418-foot home run from Holliday off losing pitcher Homer Bailey gave a 4-2 lead to the Cardinals, who held on for the win.
Carpenter (15-5), who boasted a career 11-3 record with a 2.00 ERA in 17 starts against St. Louis entering Sunday, took over from there by striking out five straight batters in the sixth and seventh.
The Redbirds right-hander, making his major-leading 30th start of the season, struck out a season-high 11 while yielding two runs on six hits without walking a batter in 7 1-3 innings.
Ryan Franklin registered his 24th save for the Cardinals, who took the season series against St. Louis, 12-6.
Bailey (3-3), who posted a 2-0 mark since coming off the 15-day DL with a shoulder problem in August, was charged with all four runs on five hits while walking one and striking out four over six frames for the Reds.
Apart from winning the series against the NL Central-leading Reds, the Cardinals also pulled within seven games of Cincinnati.
Chapel Hill, NC, United States (AHN) - John Blake, the associate head football coach at UNC-Chapel Hill, stepped down from his post Sunday night according to the school.
Blake was reportedly a part of the investigation into Tar Heels players\' contact with sports agents.
"[I]t has become apparent to me over the course of the past few weeks that my presence has become a distraction to my family and to this great University, too," Blake said in a statement released by the school.
Thirteen players missed the Tar Heels opener Saturday night, a 30-24 loss to LSU, though Blake did coach.
Part of the suspensions were also due to some of the players activity with a tutor who allegedly did papers for some of them.
Blake will get his salary for the remainder of the season, $74,500.
Blake, a long-time friend and associate of head coach Butch Davis, was largely responsible for the Tar Heels inking standout tackle Marvin Austin.
Blake is also close to NFL agent Gary Wichard, which drew the interest of the NCAA as former UNC defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer is also a client.
Balmer reportedly paid for a trip to a training facility for Austin and former teammate Cam Thomas.
Chapel Hill, NC, United States (AHN) - John Blake, the associate head football coach at UNC-Chapel Hill, stepped down from his post Sunday night according to the school.
Blake was reportedly a part of the investigation into Tar Heels players\' contact with sports agents.
"[I]t has become apparent to me over the course of the past few weeks that my presence has become a distraction to my family and to this great University, too," Blake said in a statement released by the school.
Thirteen players missed the Tar Heels opener Saturday night, a 30-24 loss to LSU, though Blake did coach.
Part of the suspensions were also due to some of the players activity with a tutor who allegedly did papers for some of them.
Blake will get his salary for the remainder of the season, $74,500.
Blake, a long-time friend and associate of head coach Butch Davis, was largely responsible for the Tar Heels inking standout tackle Marvin Austin.
Blake is also close to NFL agent Gary Wichard, which drew the interest of the NCAA as former UNC defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer is also a client.
Balmer reportedly paid for a trip to a training facility for Austin and former teammate Cam Thomas.
NY, NY, United States (AHN) - World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is on track in reaching his first U.S. Open final as he led the Spanish charge into the quarterfinals with a sweep of Gilles Simon in straight sets Sunday in the third round of the New York event.
The eight-major titlist Nadal, who is vying to win a U.S. Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, demolished his French foe in 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 fashion to advance into the fourth round.
The top-seed Nadal highlighted Spanish players who won in the top half of the draw Sunday.
Nadal will next play fellow Spanish compatriot Feliciano Lopez (No. 23), who advanced after Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukaraine retired with a score at 6-3, 4-0.
Spanish eight-seed Fernando Verdasco also booked a fourth-round slot following a four-set conquest of Argentina\'s David Nalbandian (No. 31), while No. 10th seed Spaniard dropped compatriot Daniel Gimeno-Traver, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2.
Stanislas Wawrinka, 25th seed, also secured a fourth-round berth after stunning British fourth-seed Andy Murray, 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-3.
Wawrinka could meet in the next round No. 20th seed American Sam Querrey, who matched his best outing at a Grand Slam tournament by toppling Spanish 14th seed Nicolas Almagro, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Meanwhile, 18th-seeded American John Isner is slated to face Russian Mikhail Youzhny in a later match Sunday.
On the women\'s draw, former No. 1 Kim Clijsters and No. 3-seed Venus Williams reached the quarterfinals after disposing of their respective assignments Sunday.
The second-seeded reigning champion Clijsters dismissed former top-ranked Ana Ivanovic in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, to advance to her fourth straight quarterfinal here.
Clijsters, who became the first mother to win a Grand Slam title in 29 years after defeating Caroline Wozniacki in last year\'s finale here, will next be tested by either fifth-seeded Samantha Stosur or 12th- seeded Russian Elena Dementieva.
Stosur and Dementieva square off later Sunday.
Former top-ranked American star Williams also advanced after prevailing over a gutsy Shahar Peer (No. 16), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.
Williams, the last woman to win back-to-back US Open titles when she triumphed here in 2000 and 2001, will be clashing with sixth-seeded Francesca Schiavone, the French Open champion, for a semi-final spot.
Schiavone outclassed 20th-seeded Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 6-3, 6-0.
NY, NY, United States (AHN) - World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is on track in reaching his first U.S. Open final as he led the Spanish charge into the quarterfinals with a sweep of Gilles Simon in straight sets Sunday in the third round of the New York event.
The eight-major titlist Nadal, who is vying to win a U.S. Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, demolished his French foe in 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 fashion to advance into the fourth round.
The top-seed Nadal highlighted Spanish players who won in the top half of the draw Sunday.
Nadal will next play fellow Spanish compatriot Feliciano Lopez (No. 23), who advanced after Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukaraine retired with a score at 6-3, 4-0.
Spanish eight-seed Fernando Verdasco also booked a fourth-round slot following a four-set conquest of Argentina\'s David Nalbandian (No. 31), while No. 10th seed Spaniard dropped compatriot Daniel Gimeno-Traver, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2.
Stanislas Wawrinka, 25th seed, also secured a fourth-round berth after stunning British fourth-seed Andy Murray, 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-3.
Wawrinka could meet in the next round No. 20th seed American Sam Querrey, who matched his best outing at a Grand Slam tournament by toppling Spanish 14th seed Nicolas Almagro, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Meanwhile, 18th-seeded American John Isner is slated to face Russian Mikhail Youzhny in a later match Sunday.
On the women\'s draw, former No. 1 Kim Clijsters and No. 3-seed Venus Williams reached the quarterfinals after disposing of their respective assignments Sunday.
The second-seeded reigning champion Clijsters dismissed former top-ranked Ana Ivanovic in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, to advance to her fourth straight quarterfinal here.
Clijsters, who became the first mother to win a Grand Slam title in 29 years after defeating Caroline Wozniacki in last year\'s finale here, will next be tested by either fifth-seeded Samantha Stosur or 12th- seeded Russian Elena Dementieva.
Stosur and Dementieva square off later Sunday.
Former top-ranked American star Williams also advanced after prevailing over a gutsy Shahar Peer (No. 16), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.
Williams, the last woman to win back-to-back US Open titles when she triumphed here in 2000 and 2001, will be clashing with sixth-seeded Francesca Schiavone, the French Open champion, for a semi-final spot.
Schiavone outclassed 20th-seeded Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 6-3, 6-0.
Monterey, CA, United States (AHN) - Ted Schulz claimed his first victory on the Champions Tour Sunday and he had to survive a final round charge by Tom Pernice Jr. to do it.
Schulz, the leader going into the final round of the First Tee Open at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, started the day four shots clear of Pernice.
Pernice got off to a sensational start, he was five under through the first six holes after he made an eagle at the par five sixth.
He bogeyed the seventh but still made the turn in 32, four under and made up two shots on Schulz, who had his own eagle at the sixth and shot 34 on the front nine.
Schulz bogeyed the par four 11th, then Pernice made a birdie at the par three 12th to tie for the lead. It stayed that way until Pernice bogeyed the par four 16th.
With a one-shot lead, Schulz birdied the 17th, the hole he bogeyed on Saturday. That deuce on the famous hole proved the winning edge.
Schulz\' final round 70 gave him a 14-under par 202 total. Pernice was solo second at 203 after his five-under par 67.
Tom Kite and Mark Calcavecchia closed with 60s and tied at 204. Freddie Couples shot 68 for a 205 and finished alone in fifth.
Monterey, CA, United States (AHN) - Ted Schulz claimed his first victory on the Champions Tour Sunday and he had to survive a final round charge by Tom Pernice Jr. to do it.
Schulz, the leader going into the final round of the First Tee Open at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, started the day four shots clear of Pernice.
Pernice got off to a sensational start, he was five under through the first six holes after he made an eagle at the par five sixth.
He bogeyed the seventh but still made the turn in 32, four under and made up two shots on Schulz, who had his own eagle at the sixth and shot 34 on the front nine.
Schulz bogeyed the par four 11th, then Pernice made a birdie at the par three 12th to tie for the lead. It stayed that way until Pernice bogeyed the par four 16th.
With a one-shot lead, Schulz birdied the 17th, the hole he bogeyed on Saturday. That deuce on the famous hole proved the winning edge.
Schulz\' final round 70 gave him a 14-under par 202 total. Pernice was solo second at 203 after his five-under par 67.
Tom Kite and Mark Calcavecchia closed with 60s and tied at 204. Freddie Couples shot 68 for a 205 and finished alone in fifth.
Norton, MA, United States (AHN) - Jason Day and Brandt Snedeker dueled all day Sunday during the third round of the Deutsche Bank Championship.
They get to do it again on Monday at the TPC Boston.
Day two-putted from the back of the green at the 18th hole for a closing birdie that gave him a 54-hole record tying 196 total, one better than his playing partner, Snedeker.
It look as if he\'d be two shots better. Snedeker was en route to making a mess of the final hole.
His drive found the light rough just off the right side of the fairway, but his second shot from 219 yards came up well short and found the hazard short of the green.
Snedeker dropped and didn\'t hit his fourth the way he wanted, it stopped in some long grass in the front of the green, just under 40 feet short of the hole.
He was staring directly at bogey and a two shot swing. He was tied at the time with Day at 16-under. Snedeker proceeded to hole out his pitch for a par five to finish with a 67 .
Day\'s birdie gave him the one-shot cushion with 18 to play. His 66 for the day and 17-under mark tied Mike Weir (2008) for the three-round course record.
"I played great," said the 22-year-old Aussie. "Just had one little mistake out there. I\'m happy with how I played and how I handled myself."
His play has been superb and his "little mistake" was a three-putt at the 16th hole. He missed a four-footer for par. It was his first bogey in 45 holes and his first three-putt of the tournament.
Snedeker got a two-shot swing there when he made a 12-footer for birdie at the par three hole then pulled even with Day at the 17th when he made another birdie to get to 16-under.
If either player falters during the final round, there are plenty of stars lined up behind them.
Luke Donald shot 66 and is alone at 15-under. "It\'s a lot of fun," Donald said. "I felt more relaxed. I\'m just enjoying being here," he said as he looks forward to the upcoming Ryder Cup competition.
Steve Stricker, a solid contender for the FedEx Cup, was in with a 67 and was tied with Charley Hoffman at 13-under par (200).
Conditions were more testing for the field as winds blew consistently and gusted as high at 15-20 miles per hour at times. Phil Mickelson had a successful day with a 67 but is five shots off the pace and will need a low round on Monday.
"I\'m trying to turn it around," Mickelson said of his play after a poor showing and a missed cut at the Barclays. "I want to finish the year strong and tomorrow (Monday) should be a fun day.
Mickelson was in a group with Charlie Wi and the duo of Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy, who shot the low rounds of the day, a pair of 65s.
FedEx points leader Matt Kuchar, who started the day just behind Day and Snedeker, struggled with errant iron shots during the third round and finished with a one-over par 72 and stands at 10-under.
Tiger Woods shot 69 on Sunday and is 10 shots behind at 206, seven-under.
Norton, MA, United States (AHN) - Jason Day and Brandt Snedeker dueled all day Sunday during the third round of the Deutsche Bank Championship.
They get to do it again on Monday at the TPC Boston.
Day two-putted from the back of the green at the 18th hole for a closing birdie that gave him a 54-hole record tying 196 total, one better than his playing partner, Snedeker.
It look as if he\'d be two shots better. Snedeker was en route to making a mess of the final hole.
His drive found the light rough just off the right side of the fairway, but his second shot from 219 yards came up well short and found the hazard short of the green.
Snedeker dropped and didn\'t hit his fourth the way he wanted, it stopped in some long grass in the front of the green, just under 40 feet short of the hole.
He was staring directly at bogey and a two shot swing. He was tied at the time with Day at 16-under. Snedeker proceeded to hole out his pitch for a par five to finish with a 67 .
Day\'s birdie gave him the one-shot cushion with 18 to play. His 66 for the day and 17-under mark tied Mike Weir (2008) for the three-round course record.
"I played great," said the 22-year-old Aussie. "Just had one little mistake out there. I\'m happy with how I played and how I handled myself."
His play has been superb and his "little mistake" was a three-putt at the 16th hole. He missed a four-footer for par. It was his first bogey in 45 holes and his first three-putt of the tournament.
Snedeker got a two-shot swing there when he made a 12-footer for birdie at the par three hole then pulled even with Day at the 17th when he made another birdie to get to 16-under.
If either player falters during the final round, there are plenty of stars lined up behind them.
Luke Donald shot 66 and is alone at 15-under. "It\'s a lot of fun," Donald said. "I felt more relaxed. I\'m just enjoying being here," he said as he looks forward to the upcoming Ryder Cup competition.
Steve Stricker, a solid contender for the FedEx Cup, was in with a 67 and was tied with Charley Hoffman at 13-under par (200).
Conditions were more testing for the field as winds blew consistently and gusted as high at 15-20 miles per hour at times. Phil Mickelson had a successful day with a 67 but is five shots off the pace and will need a low round on Monday.
"I\'m trying to turn it around," Mickelson said of his play after a poor showing and a missed cut at the Barclays. "I want to finish the year strong and tomorrow (Monday) should be a fun day.
Mickelson was in a group with Charlie Wi and the duo of Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy, who shot the low rounds of the day, a pair of 65s.
FedEx points leader Matt Kuchar, who started the day just behind Day and Snedeker, struggled with errant iron shots during the third round and finished with a one-over par 72 and stands at 10-under.
Tiger Woods shot 69 on Sunday and is 10 shots behind at 206, seven-under.
Istanbul, Turkey (AHN) - Jaka Lakovic scored 19 points, including five 3-pointers, as Slovenia crushed Australia in the round of 16 with an 87-58 demolition Sunday to reach the reach the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIBA World Championships.
Lakovic sparked an offensive burst in the opening period with a three-point bomb, as Slovenia roared out from the starting gate with a 9-0 surge.
The Australia squad struggled offensively in the opening six and a half minutes of the contest, managing to score eight points in the first quarter.
After raising to a 16-8 edge at the end of period, Slovenia started to pull away in the second quarter by drilling 6-for-10 from the 3-point area in the period.
Slovenia, ranked 15th among the 24 teams after converting just 33 percent from the 3-point arc in pool play, drained 16-of-33 from downtown for a whopping 48.5 percent.
Slovenia erected a 42-21 lead at halftime without former New Jersey Nets forward Bostjan Nachbar netting a single point.
Nachbar, a 2002 draft pick by the Houston Rockets, finished with eight points with two three-pointers and four boards for the victors.
Primoz Brezec of the Milwaukee Bucks ended with 12 points, while Goran Dragic added 10 points and eight assists for Slovenia, which will next play Turkey, a 95-77 conqueror of France.
Portland Trail Blazers\' Patrick Mills tried to rally the Boomers with his usual burst of speed and slashing moves into the hoop, but managed to finish only 13 points in the loss.
Joseph Ingles, one of Aussies\' scoring threat, also finished with 13 markers, while Matthew Nielson logged 12 points and eight rebounds for Australia, which shot 18 of 58 from the field and 10 percent from the 3-point arc (2-of-19).
With the triumph, Slovenia improved to 5-1 at the World Championship. It\'s only setback came at the hands of Team USA.
Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 points and Sinan Guler added 17 for Turkey, which rolled before a near-capacity crowd.
Boris Diaw of the Charlotte Bobcats poured in 21 points for France, with Nando de Colo chipping in 15.
Istanbul, Turkey (AHN) - Jaka Lakovic scored 19 points, including five 3-pointers, as Slovenia crushed Australia in the round of 16 with an 87-58 demolition Sunday to reach the reach the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIBA World Championships.
Lakovic sparked an offensive burst in the opening period with a three-point bomb, as Slovenia roared out from the starting gate with a 9-0 surge.
The Australia squad struggled offensively in the opening six and a half minutes of the contest, managing to score eight points in the first quarter.
After raising to a 16-8 edge at the end of period, Slovenia started to pull away in the second quarter by drilling 6-for-10 from the 3-point area in the period.
Slovenia, ranked 15th among the 24 teams after converting just 33 percent from the 3-point arc in pool play, drained 16-of-33 from downtown for a whopping 48.5 percent.
Slovenia erected a 42-21 lead at halftime without former New Jersey Nets forward Bostjan Nachbar netting a single point.
Nachbar, a 2002 draft pick by the Houston Rockets, finished with eight points with two three-pointers and four boards for the victors.
Primoz Brezec of the Milwaukee Bucks ended with 12 points, while Goran Dragic added 10 points and eight assists for Slovenia, which will next play Turkey, a 95-77 conqueror of France.
Portland Trail Blazers\' Patrick Mills tried to rally the Boomers with his usual burst of speed and slashing moves into the hoop, but managed to finish only 13 points in the loss.
Joseph Ingles, one of Aussies\' scoring threat, also finished with 13 markers, while Matthew Nielson logged 12 points and eight rebounds for Australia, which shot 18 of 58 from the field and 10 percent from the 3-point arc (2-of-19).
With the triumph, Slovenia improved to 5-1 at the World Championship. It\'s only setback came at the hands of Team USA.
Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 points and Sinan Guler added 17 for Turkey, which rolled before a near-capacity crowd.
Boris Diaw of the Charlotte Bobcats poured in 21 points for France, with Nando de Colo chipping in 15.
East Lansing, MiI, United States (AHN) - Le\'Veon Bell was playing high school football at Groveport Madison High School in Ohio last fall.
But on the opening day of college football season, Bell showed he knows how to get attention in a hurry.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound freshman tailback for Michigan State rushed for 141 yards on only 10 carries, including a 75-yard outburst, to ignite MSU over Western Michigan University 38-14 Saturday at Spartan Stadium.
"That was a great experience," Bell said. "I always dreamed about starting like that for my first time on a college field. It was great to come out here and have a pretty good game."
Bell became the first Michigan State freshman tailback to rush for 100 yards in his first collegiate game.
"I\'m proud of myself," he said. "I put in a lot of hard work but I couldn\'t have done any without my offensive line. They were opening up holes and allowing me to show my talent."
Others on the MSU sidelines were impressed with what they saw with Bell.
"I\'ve talked to many of you about him already," said MSU offensive coordinator Don Treadwell. "He\'s been a pleasant surprise as far back as the spring. When he enrolled early last spring, he immediately got the attention of his coaches, as well as his teammates with just his natural ability."
"He has the size you like for a Big Ten back. But those certain things he has that we call intangibles, he has those. He exhibited those out there today. He has great vision for a running back. He has excellent feet for a guy his size. We think the sky is the limit ."
"Le\'Veon played very well," said MSU coach Mark Antonio. "He had opportunities."
Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins agreed.
"It wasn\'t too much of a surprise, but you have to remember he\'s a true freshman and it\'s his first year in college," Cousins said. "It was pretty impressive the way he ran the ball."
"I was really nervous," Bell said. "My first play was actually a punt so it wasn\'t as bad as it would have been on offense. I was very nervous when I got out there but once I took that first hit, all the butterflies went away."
Sophomore Edwin Baker didn\'t have a bad game either with 117 yards on 17 carries.
Larry Caper, an MSU sophomore tailback, who earned Big Ten Freshmen honors last season, sat out the game with an injured hand, giving Bell a chance to show his stuff.
"We knew Larry wasn\'t going to play on Tuesday or Wednesday so they told me I might play a lot," Bell said. "It was a great opportunity for me.
"Since there\'s three of us that can carry the ball, I guess it\'s whoever has the hot hand, whoever is feeling it and in the zone—that\'s who the coaches will feed the ball to and will get the reps."
It gave Bell the chance to have his stirring 75-yard run from scrimmage in the second quarter to electrify the more than 75,000 fans at Spartan Stadium.
"The defense over pursued on one side of the ball so I cut back and the line pushed everyone my side. I ran up the sideline and I was trying to get Keshawn\'s (Martin) block in time and I did my best."
Bell enrolled at MSU last January. He was a three-year starter at Groveport Madison High and rushed 200 times for 1,333 yards (6.7) average and 21 touchdowns in 2009. He had 30 carries for 336 yards in one game.
"I wanted to come into school and play," he said. "That was one of the biggest things. Not everyone thought I could come in and play this level of football. I had a chip on my shoulder and wanted to show everybody that I can play. I think that made me play better."
East Lansing, MiI, United States (AHN) - Le\'Veon Bell was playing high school football at Groveport Madison High School in Ohio last fall.
But on the opening day of college football season, Bell showed he knows how to get attention in a hurry.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound freshman tailback for Michigan State rushed for 141 yards on only 10 carries, including a 75-yard outburst, to ignite MSU over Western Michigan University 38-14 Saturday at Spartan Stadium.
"That was a great experience," Bell said. "I always dreamed about starting like that for my first time on a college field. It was great to come out here and have a pretty good game."
Bell became the first Michigan State freshman tailback to rush for 100 yards in his first collegiate game.
"I\'m proud of myself," he said. "I put in a lot of hard work but I couldn\'t have done any without my offensive line. They were opening up holes and allowing me to show my talent."
Others on the MSU sidelines were impressed with what they saw with Bell.
"I\'ve talked to many of you about him already," said MSU offensive coordinator Don Treadwell. "He\'s been a pleasant surprise as far back as the spring. When he enrolled early last spring, he immediately got the attention of his coaches, as well as his teammates with just his natural ability."
"He has the size you like for a Big Ten back. But those certain things he has that we call intangibles, he has those. He exhibited those out there today. He has great vision for a running back. He has excellent feet for a guy his size. We think the sky is the limit ."
"Le\'Veon played very well," said MSU coach Mark Antonio. "He had opportunities."
Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins agreed.
"It wasn\'t too much of a surprise, but you have to remember he\'s a true freshman and it\'s his first year in college," Cousins said. "It was pretty impressive the way he ran the ball."
"I was really nervous," Bell said. "My first play was actually a punt so it wasn\'t as bad as it would have been on offense. I was very nervous when I got out there but once I took that first hit, all the butterflies went away."
Sophomore Edwin Baker didn\'t have a bad game either with 117 yards on 17 carries.
Larry Caper, an MSU sophomore tailback, who earned Big Ten Freshmen honors last season, sat out the game with an injured hand, giving Bell a chance to show his stuff.
"We knew Larry wasn\'t going to play on Tuesday or Wednesday so they told me I might play a lot," Bell said. "It was a great opportunity for me.
"Since there\'s three of us that can carry the ball, I guess it\'s whoever has the hot hand, whoever is feeling it and in the zone—that\'s who the coaches will feed the ball to and will get the reps."
It gave Bell the chance to have his stirring 75-yard run from scrimmage in the second quarter to electrify the more than 75,000 fans at Spartan Stadium.
"The defense over pursued on one side of the ball so I cut back and the line pushed everyone my side. I ran up the sideline and I was trying to get Keshawn\'s (Martin) block in time and I did my best."
Bell enrolled at MSU last January. He was a three-year starter at Groveport Madison High and rushed 200 times for 1,333 yards (6.7) average and 21 touchdowns in 2009. He had 30 carries for 336 yards in one game.
"I wanted to come into school and play," he said. "That was one of the biggest things. Not everyone thought I could come in and play this level of football. I had a chip on my shoulder and wanted to show everybody that I can play. I think that made me play better."
St. Louis, MO, United States (AHN) - The St. Louis Rams ushered a new era of competitive football after naming top pick quarterback Sam Bradford as their starter for the upcoming 2010-2011 NFL season, multiple sources reported Saturday.
Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo confirmed Bradford will assume the starting quarterback role after competing with veteran A. J. Feeley at training camp.
Bradford, 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, completed 33 of 55 passes for 338 yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions over four preseason outings.
Bradford, who inked a six-year, $78 million deal ($50 million guaranteed) with the Rams, struggled in the first two exhibition games, but virtually secured the starting job after an impressive performance against the New England Patriots.
In his third preseason game, the former Oklahoma quarterback star completed 15 for 22 passes for 189 yards, including two TD passes in the first half to post a 36-35 win.
Although there are plenty of assignments for Bradford to work on, Spagnuolo believes the young signal caller has the ability to lead a team.
"Well, it was evident in these last three games," Spagnuolo told USA Today Saturday "He had pretty good control of what we were doing. The team kind of rallies around him."
St. Louis, MO, United States (AHN) - The St. Louis Rams ushered a new era of competitive football after naming top pick quarterback Sam Bradford as their starter for the upcoming 2010-2011 NFL season, multiple sources reported Saturday.
Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo confirmed Bradford will assume the starting quarterback role after competing with veteran A. J. Feeley at training camp.
Bradford, 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, completed 33 of 55 passes for 338 yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions over four preseason outings.
Bradford, who inked a six-year, $78 million deal ($50 million guaranteed) with the Rams, struggled in the first two exhibition games, but virtually secured the starting job after an impressive performance against the New England Patriots.
In his third preseason game, the former Oklahoma quarterback star completed 15 for 22 passes for 189 yards, including two TD passes in the first half to post a 36-35 win.
Although there are plenty of assignments for Bradford to work on, Spagnuolo believes the young signal caller has the ability to lead a team.
"Well, it was evident in these last three games," Spagnuolo told USA Today Saturday "He had pretty good control of what we were doing. The team kind of rallies around him."