Quantcast
Channel: Tampabay.com: Sports
Viewing all 18574 articles
Browse latest View live

Michigan State Spartans hand Florida State Seminoles third straight loss 65-49

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Keith Appling had a career-high 24 points and matched a personal best with seven rebounds to help Michigan State beat Florida State 65-49 Wednesday night in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

The Spartans (5-2) have won five straight after opening the season with losses to North Carolina on an aircraft carrier in San Diego and against Duke at New York's Madison Square Garden.

The Seminoles (5-3) have lost three straight — to the Spartans, Connecticut and Harvard — since winning their first five.

"This is kind of what we need," FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said. "I have no doubt we're going to be a better basketball team for going through this. We're still an inexperienced team, but I do feel we'll be a very good basketball team before the year is done."

MSU's Draymond Green scored 16 to top 1,000 for his career.

FSU looked much more athletic in the opening minutes but wore down in its fourth game in seven days. Bernard James said the Seminoles aren't working together on the court.

"We're all separate," he said. "We've got to get our minds right. It's all mental, one mistake after another."

The crowd was eerily quiet midway through the first quarter after a Spartans cheerleader, Taylor Young, fell on her face during a performance. The junior, 20, from Twin Lake, Mich., was strapped to a backboard with her head immobilized.

The cheerleader smiled and stuck both thumbs up when the crowd cheered after she was lifted onto a stretcher.

"She's okay," athletic director Mark Hollis said.


Resilient UNC foils Badgers strategy

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Harrison Barnes scored 10 of his 20 during the decisive second-half surge to help No. 5 North Carolina rally past No. 9 Wisconsin 60-57 Wednesday night.

Tyler Zeller added 12 points for the Tar Heels (6-1), who had to show plenty of fight and toughness to outlast the Badgers in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Coming off its first loss of the season, North Carolina trailed by five midway through the second half before going on an 18-5 run that finally put it ahead for good.

Barnes was critical in that run, hitting two 3-pointers and a jumper. But on a night when their fast-paced attack rarely got out in transition, the Tar Heels fought off Wisconsin (6-1) only after stringing together enough defensive stops and getting enough defensive rebounds to aid their struggling offense.

For the Badgers, almost everything went to plan except for the outcome.

They made the Tar Heels work for their shots. They repeatedly made them defend into the final seconds of the shot clock. And coach Roy Williams grew so frustrated at one point in the second half that he ripped off his suit jacket and yelled at his players.

But North Carolina — which despite the NBA potential on its front line had been outrebounded three times this season — responded by controlling the boards behind former Sickles High standout John Henson, who finished one shy of a career high with 17 rebounds.

Jordan Taylor had 18 points to lead Wisconsin, which held UNC to 42 percent shooting.

NO. 15 KANSAS 77, FAU 54: Thomas Robinson had 19 points and 17 rebounds for his sixth straight double double, and the Jayhawks (4-2) overcame 17 turnovers in their first home game in nearly three weeks.

NO. 17 PITT 80, DUQUESNE 69: Ashton Gibbs had 18 points for the host Panthers (6-1), who won the annual City Game for the 11th straight time.

NO. 25 TEXAS A&M 56, ALCORN ST. 44: Ray Turner had 16 points for the Aggies (5-1), who overcame a slow start and 40.3 percent shooting to win their 64th straight nonconference home game.

Indiana 86, N.C. State 75: Jordan Hulls scored 20 and hit a momentum-shifting 3 in the final two minutes to lead the visiting Hoosiers over the Wolfpack (5-2). Freshman Cody Zeller finished with 19 for Indiana (7-0), which has won all seven games by double figures.

State

ROLLINS 60, TAMPA 36: The visiting Tars handed the Spartans (2-4) their biggest loss this season in their Sunshine State Conference opener.

Fine's office searched

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Federal agents have searched the campus office of former Syracuse assistant coach Bernie Fine as part of the investigation of child molestation allegations against him, the Associated Press reported.

Fine's office at the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center was searched early Tuesday morning, according to AP. The U.S. Secret Service already searched Fine's house on Friday.

Federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office in northern New York, which is leading the investigation, would not say what they sought or found there, saying it was under seal. The warrant approving the search of his office also was sealed.

Three men, including two former Syracuse ball boys, have accused Fine of molesting them as children. He has denied the allegations. The university fired him Sunday after a third accuser went public and ESPN broadcast a 2002 audiotape, obtained and recorded by accuser Bobby Davis, of a conversation between Davis and a woman ESPN identified as Fine's wife, Laurie, in which she says she knew "everything that went on."

FSU loses overtime battle with Ohio State

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Tayler Hill had a career-high 31 points, including five in overtime, to lead No. 17 Ohio State to a 78-75 win over Florida State on Wednesday night in the Big/Ten ACC Challenge.

Hill made a free throw to pull the Buckeyes (6-0) within 75-74 with 59 seconds left then scored the go-ahead layup with 31 seconds to go.

Ohio State got the ball back when Cierra Bravard was tied up and the possession arrow favored the Buckeyes. Hill hit two free throws with 14 seconds left. The Seminoles' Alexa Deluzio missed a tying 3-pointer from the right corner.

The rebound went out of bounds to FSU (3-5), but Ashley Adams stole the ball and a wild scramble ensued at the buzzer before order was restored.

Bravard had 27 points for the Seminoles.

"It was a heck of a basketball game," FSU coach Sue Semrau said. "I'm extremely proud of my team. We've had a tough schedule. Cierra Bravard played a great game; she was getting double- and triple-teamed out there."

ROLLINS 58, TAMPA 56: The visiting Tars got 31 points from their bench and held on against the Spartans (3-4) in their Sunshine State Conference opener.

SAINT LEO 65, WARNER 57: Christina Granville had 21 points and 12 rebounds and Chelsea Williams 10 points and 11 rebounds to lead the host Lions (5-0).

Top 25

NO. 1 BAYLOR 91, TEXAS SOUTHERN 39: Brittney Griner had 23 points and 14 rebounds for her fifth double double this season as the Bears (7-0) won their 27th straight home game.

NO. 2 UCONN 92, TOWSON 31: Bria Hartley had 24 points and five assists as the Huskies (7-0) extended their NCAA-record home winning streak to 90 games.

NO. 5 STANFORD 93, UC DAVIS 44: Nnemkadi Ogwumike scored 18 of her 20 in the first half to help the Cardinal (5-1) get its 66th straight home win at Maples Pavilion.

NO. 6 MARYLAND 74, MICH. 65: Alyssa Thomas had 24 points for the host Terrapins (8-0), who pulled away with a late surge.

NO. 11 RUTGERS 71, TEMPLE 50: April Sykes had a season-high 19 points for the host Scarlet Knights (7-0), who are off to their best start in six years.

NO. 16 PENN ST. 103, NO. 14 UNC 84: Zhaque Gray had 25 points, and the host Lions (6-1) snapped a three-game losing streak in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge by routing the Tar Heels (5-1).

NO. 15 GEORGIA 85, S.C. STATE 48: Jasmine James had 17 points for the host Bulldogs (6-1), who scored the first 16 of the game.

NO. 19 TEXAS TECH 85, TEXAS ST. 40: Kierra Mallard had 18 points and Shauntal Nobles 10 points and 12 rebounds off the bench for the host Raiders (6-0).

NO. 20 G'TOWN 70, COPPIN ST. 54: Sugar Rodgers scored 26 and had seven 3-pointers within the first seven minutes for the visiting Hoyas (6-2).

NO. 25 VANDY 83, AUSTIN PEAY 51: Christina Foggie had a career-high 25 points to carry the visiting Commodores (7-0).

Bruins complete almost perfect month

0
0

Times wires
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TORONTO — Milan Lucic scored twice and David Krejci had a goal and two assists as the Bruins beat the Maple Leafs 6-3 Wednesday for their 12th win in 13 games.

The defending Stanley Cup champions rebounded from a slow start this season and went 12-0-1 in November, marking the first time since January 1969 that the Bruins went an entire month without a regulation loss.

Tim Thomas made 34 saves and Zdeno Chara, Benoit Pouliot and Brad Marchand also scored for Boston, which hasn't lost in regulation since Oct. 29 at Montreal.

Lightning worth more

The Lightning is worth $174 million, according to Forbes magazine. The 20 percent increase from last season is second in the league behind the 21 percent of the Jets, who moved from Atlanta to Winnipeg.

Jeff Vinik is believed to have paid about $110 million for the Lightning, St. Pete Times Forum lease and 5½ acres around the arena in Tampa.

Overall, average team values rose 5 percent to a record $240 million, Forbes said. The Maple Leafs at $521 million are first, the Coyotes at $134 million last. The Lightning is 21st. But Forbes said operating income fell 21 percent due to rising player salaries. In addition, the wealth gap is widening: 18 of 30 teams are losing money while top markets such as Toronto, New York and Montreal saw their values rising thanks to ticket revenue and cable TV deals.

Capitals: Bruce Boudreau said he believes the team made the "right decision" in firing him as coach Monday. "Sometimes, you need a different voice," said Boudreau, speaking for the first time since being let go. "And for whatever reason, it didn't work out in the end. And I think they made a decision that was the right decision at the time, and we'll just move on." He said he didn't blame star Alex Ovechkin, whom he benched for a late shift on Nov. 1 and has only eight goals. "I don't believe Alex was ever a problem," he said. "I think he worked as hard and tried as hard as he could. I think it just didn't go well statistically for him. And when things don't go well statistically, people try to put two and two together and they usually end up with five."

Sabres: Goalie Ryan Miller practiced for the first time since sustaining a concussion Nov. 12. But Miller didn't give a timetable for returning.

Bruins1236
at Leafs1113

First Period1, Toronto, Grabovski 6 (MacArthur, Gunnarsson), 7:29 (pp). 2, Boston, Lucic 9 (Seguin, Chara), 15:08 (pp). PenaltiesPeverley, Bos (high-sticking), 6:00; Seguin, Bos (high-sticking), 12:11; Lupul, Tor (boarding), 13:04; Gunnarsson, Tor (holding), 13:47; Aulie, Tor (goaltender interference), 18:32.

Second Period3, Boston, Krejci 4 (Horton, Seidenberg), 3:33. 4, Toronto, Lupul 12 (Kessel, Schenn), 7:00. 5, Boston, Chara 5 (Krejci, Horton), 15:30. PenaltiesMacArthur, Tor (tripping), 16:12.

Third Period6, Boston, Pouliot 3 (Corvo, Campbell), 3:03. 7, Toronto, Frattin 2 (Crabb, Schenn), 6:00. 8, Boston, Lucic 10 (Krejci), 15:21. 9, Boston, Marchand 9 (Peverley), 19:08 (en). PenaltiesGardiner, Tor (tripping), :59. Shots on GoalBoston 17-8-15—40. Toronto 16-8-13—37. Power-play opportunitiesBoston 1 of 5; Toronto 1 of 2. GoaliesBoston, Thomas 12-4-0 (37 shots-34 saves). Toronto, Gustavsson 8-5-0 (39-34). A19,643 (18,819).

Times staff writer Damian Cristodero contributed to this report.

USF Bulls stifled in second half, fall 69-46 to Virginia Commonwealth Rams

0
0

By Eric Kolenich, Special to the Times
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

RICHMOND, Va. — USF entered Wednesday night with only seven completely healthy players. As the game wore on, that number dwindled.

The injuries mounted, and things fell apart for the Bulls. What was a tie score at halftime ended as a blowout, and Virginia Commonwealth defeated USF 69-46.

Forward Augustus Gilchrist, the Bulls' second-leading scorer, and guard Jawanza Poland were out with injuries. Guard LaVonte Dority had issues with his shoulder and played only one minute.

"The health of our team is not very good," USF coach Stan Heath said. "We're a lot more short-handed than we want to be right now."

Compounding the issue for the Bulls (5-3), Toarlyn Fitz­patrick and Blake Nash both hobbled off the court with leg pains, though they returned later in the game.

Asked how many completely healthy players were left on the roster, Heath said with a laugh, "I don't even want to count."

The score was tied at 28 going into halftime. But VCU, fresh off a trip to the Final Four in last year's NCAA Tournament, went on a 23-7 run to start the second half. By the 10-minute mark of the half, VCU had complete control.

"We just weren't the same team in the second half," Heath said.

After hitting 48 percent of their shots in the first half, the Bulls hit only 26 percent in the second to finish 18-of-48 for the game. The strong 3-point defense USF had displayed in recent games also faded: The Rams hit 2 of 10 from behind the arc in the first half and 8 of 14 in the second. Troy Daniels led VCU (4-3) with 17 points and hit 5 of 9 3-pointers.

"The games we've played well and won big, we've shut teams down in the second half," VCU senior Bradford Burgess said. "When we get stops in the second half, we win."

Ron Anderson led the Bulls with 15 points, and Victor Rudd had 10. Freshman Anthony Collins, making his first career start, couldn't continue the surge that brought him from the bench to the starting lineup and finished with two points.

The Bulls travel to No. 15 Kansas on Saturday for their second straight game against a 2011 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight participant.

Friends, family celebrate accomplishments of former University of Tampa and San Francisco 49ers football star Freddie Solomon

0
0

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

TAMPA — Vin Hoover said as big and benevolent as Freddie Solomon's heart is, his friend and former University of Tampa teammate has never asked for anything in return.

But Solomon, 58, a former star quarterback for the Spartans and later a 49ers receiver, was paid back in a big way Wednesday night, with about 500 friends and family coming together from all over the country in an emotional tribute. As special as Solomon was on the field, including being a key part of two Super Bowl-winning teams, he was celebrated for the kind of man, mentor, teacher and selfless giver he has been to so many, even as he continues his battle colon cancer.

Solomon said he was thankful for "a dream that I'll always cherish the rest of my life" and vowed to fight his illness "with all I've got." Having helped kids through the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for nearly two decades, Solomon appreciated the night's biggest gift, a scholarship in his name at UT, started with a $200,000 donation.

"We give what we can," Solomon said. "Give from our hearts."

Solomon has done his share, with former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. calling him "a mini Mother Teresa."

"If you don't love Freddie Solomon," former Bucs assistant Wayne Fontes said, "you don't love America and apple pie."

DeBartolo said Wednesday's event was put together quickly, with friends and colleagues brainstorming six weeks ago. Hoover said people would reply: "I'll do anything for Freddie Solomon."

"I don't think there's another person who is so revered, loved by every single person that he has had a chance to know," University of Tampa president Ron Vaughn said.

Before the Legend of Freddie Solomon film was played at the David Falk Theatre, friends shared Solomon stories.

Sheriff David Gee read an excerpt of a letter from one of Solomon's friends in his hometown of Sumter, S.C., "Even the ones who never met you claim to be a lifelong friend, because they just want to be a part of you."

There was Fontes, who recalled then-Bucs coach John McKay telling him before a game against the 49ers, "If Freddie Solomon catches one pass, I'm going to fire you!" Fontes said they "beat up" Solomon with double coverage. But Solomon had the last laugh, returning a punt 86 yards for a touchdown.

There were his 49ers teammates, such as quarterback Joe Montana, who laughed on a taped video as he played the theme for Casper the Friendly Ghost, Solomon's nickname for being so fast he'd "disappear" on the field.

Tight end Dwight Clark said Solomon always made them laugh and unselfishly mentored him and Jerry Rice, who was drafted to take Solomon's job. "I think as great a player as he was," Clark said, "he is an even better person."

Hoover said Solomon had one request for the tribute: don't make it long. "(Solomon said), 'You know what would be the worst thing? If you had something like that done for you and people got tired and walked out.' "

On Wednesday, nobody left until after Solomon spoke at the end of the 90-minute ceremony. When he was done, Freddie's Friends stood and cheered.

Tampa Bay Lightning falls 4-2 to Detroit Red Wings

0
0

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 30, 2011

DETROIT — The Red Wings came into Wednesday night's game with the Lightning with some pretty impressive statistics.

Detroit had won five straight and six in a row at home. But as Tampa Bay coach Guy Boucher said, "We don't want to be thinking about them too much. When you play these teams and you're amazed how they do things, you're not confident in what you do.

"Can we beat the top teams? Yes."

Not this time, though, as the Wings earned a 4-2 victory at Joe Louis Arena.

Tomas Holmstrom's power-play goal 4:22 into the third period, off his stick shaft as he swung at a floating puck, broke a 2-2 tie forged with a lot of hard work by Tampa Bay (11-11-2).

Second-period goals by Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos, the latter with 14 seconds left, ate away Detroit's two-goal first-period lead that would have been greater without some good work by goaltender Dwayne Roloson.

But Holmstrom's goal was kind of lucky. Darren Helm scored shortside with 6:46 left on a shot Roloson probably should have stopped, and the Red Wings extended their home unbeaten streak against Tampa Bay to 11 games (0-10-0 with a tie).

The Lightning, now outscored 26-14 in first periods, was down 2-0 and 16-8 in shots.

Lots went wrong for the Lightning on Detroit's first goal.

Defenseman Victor Hedman turned the puck over, and with Steve Downie and St. Louis prematurely flying out of the defensive zone, Pavel Datsyuk had a wide open shot from the slot.

It was 2-0 with 8:56 left on a goal by Jonathan Ericsson, who got the puck when Valtteri Filppula's pass deflected off the stick of Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina. Roloson probably never saw the shot from the slot and through a screen set by Lightning defenseman Brett Clark.

Roloson made five brilliant saves during a Red Wings power play to preserve the deficit. That work continued to pay off as the Lightning by the end of the second period was outshot 23-14 but was tied 2-2.

St. Louis made it 2-1 with a power-play goal 9:35 into the period with a snap shot from the right faceoff circle off a nice pass from Teddy Purcell. Give some extra credit to defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron, who hustled to keep the puck in the offensive zone.

Stamkos, cruising at the side of the net, tied the score with a snappy one-timer off Matt Gilroy's diagonal pass from the blue line. The goal, Stamkos' 16th, tied Toronto's Phil Kessel for the league lead.

Red Wings2024
Lightning0202
Red Wings2024
Lightning0202

First Period1, Detroit, Datsyuk 7 (Bertuzzi, Franzen), 4:58. 2, Detroit, Ericsson 1 (V.Filppula), 11:04. PenaltiesStamkos, TB (cross-checking), 18:37.

Second Period3, Tampa Bay, St. Louis 7 (Purcell, Bergeron), 9:35 (pp). 4, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 16 (Gilroy, Lecavalier), 19:46. PenaltiesBertuzzi, Det (unsportsmanlike conduct), 4:39; Ericsson, Det (tripping), 8:09; Thompson, TB (slashing), 10:28.

Third Period5, Detroit, Holmstrom 4 (Lidstrom, Datsyuk), 4:22 (pp). 6, Detroit, Helm 3 (Kindl, Ericsson), 13:14. PenaltiesBrunnstrom, Det (goaltender interference), :23; Brewer, TB (hooking), 4:13; Hudler, Det (high-sticking), 10:35; Lecavalier, TB, double minor (high-sticking), 14:45. Shots on GoalTampa Bay 8-6-9—23. Detroit 18-5-12—35. Power-play opportunitiesTampa Bay 1 of 4; Detroit 1 of 5. GoaliesTampa Bay, Roloson 6-7-1 (35 shots-31 saves). Detroit, Howard 14-5-1 (23-21). A20,066 (20,066).

One-armed mixed martial arts fighter makes national TV debut

0
0

By Susan Thurston, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011

Mixed martial arts fighters rely on every part of their body to take down their opponent.

They use their legs to kick, dodge and move around the cage. They use their arms to jab, block and pin into submission.

Unless you're Nick Newell.

The 25-year-old professional MMA fighter was born without a left arm from the elbow down. He fights like anyone else, though, using his upper arm to hit and hold. His nickname: Notorious.

Newell makes his national television debut Friday during the Xtreme Fighting Championships 15 "Tribute'' event at the St. Pete Times Forum. He'll take on Miami's Denis "The Menace" Hernandez in the featured fight, which will air on HDNet.

Newell will enter the cage undefeated as a professional fighter and with plenty to prove.

"I'm not a guy with one hand that fights,'' he said. "I'm a guy that fights with one hand."

•••

Born in Connecticut, Newell was encouraged to play sports at a young age and started wrestling in high school. He was captain of the wrestling team at Western New England College and, after graduating in 2008, discovered mixed martial arts.

Newell likes the complexity and difficulty of mixed martial arts. He never thinks about his missing arm when he goes into a fight. He just focuses on winning.

"I've been like this my whole life,'' he said. "I didn't start fighting to be like, 'Oh, I'm a guy with one hand and look at me. I'm doing it.' I started fighting because it was fun.''

While fighting comes easily to him, finding opponents has proven more difficult. Many decline matches because they don't want the potential stigma of losing to a fighter missing an arm.

Those close to Newell say it's unfortunate. Leagues look at records, not who they defeated or lost to. Refusing to fight him may just be an excuse to duck him.

"Nick's whole thing is I'm not a great one-armed fighter, I'm a great fighter,'' said Timothy O'Connor, his manager.

O'Connor considers Newell a "classic, feel good story for the sport'' who inspires others to work hard and achieve goals, regardless of their circumstances. Newell doesn't view his disability as a limitation.

"It's definitely more of a big deal to people on the outside,'' O'Connor said.

On Friday, Newell will fight in honor of Abi Mestre, a popular Massachusetts MMA fighter who died in a motorcycle accident in April. The two were like brothers and trained together for several years.

The event will be his first in a professional sports stadium. He hopes the TV exposure translates to more fights in 2012.

He isn't nervous.

"I have a job to do and win this fight,'' he said. "I feel like right now is my time.''


Guy Boucher's Tampa Bay Lightning must strike with speed

0
0

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011

The next time you're at a Lightning game at the St. Pete Times Forum, listen carefully.

Chances are when Tampa Bay goes on offense you will hear someone loudly imploring the players to push the puck up the ice with "speed, speed, speed."

The words — with staccato, tenor-like resonance — cut through the din of the crowd and even reach the ears of those watching from the press box at the top of the arena.

Can't quite place the voice? It is coach Guy Boucher, who from behind the Lightning bench demands to be heard.

"Oh, yeah, we definitely hear it," wing Ryan Shannon said. "We hear it loud and clear."

"Since the first day I coached 14 years ago," Boucher, 40, said about churning out the word "speed" in triplicate at his players. "I know as a player you go fast but you're rarely 100 percent. You're 95, 98, 93, 92 percent? So, it's my job to make sure the guys are jolted, especially at this level."

Boucher isn't alone barking orders behind the bench. Assistants Marty Raymond and Dan Lacroix have their own repertoire of button-pushing slogans and watchwords.

The idea is to create an atmosphere, Raymond said.

"Eighty-two games are hard for players," he said. "We have to make sure we do whatever we can to help them and know that we're there and in the game."

Boucher is the only one, though, with a clarion call.

Funny thing, Raymond said. Last season, when stationed in the press box during games as an eye in the sky, he always noticed Boucher's voice. This season, behind the bench, he doesn't notice at all.

"When you're in the action you have so many things to pay attention to, you block out a lot of other stuff," Raymond said.

It's different for players getting an earful from their coach.

"Obviously, if you guys hear him in the press box we can hear him on the ice," left wing Ryan Malone said. "It's just a reminder. He doesn't mean any harm."

Not intentionally, anyway.

"Sometimes you're just trying to get a handle on the puck and he's screaming 'move you're feet' and you're like, 'Oh, s - - - ,' " Malone said, laughing. "He's an intense coach."

"Oh, yeah, I'm annoying," Boucher said. "I'm ferociously persistent in what I want."

That is, the puck up ice as quickly as possible.

Speed doesn't allow the opposition to set up its defense. Speed forces opponent mistakes, and speed on the transition indicates Tampa Bay is playing its system.

That hasn't always been the case this season, especially in first periods in which Tampa Bay has been outscored 26-14, and on the road where it is 4-8-2.

"The minute we're not at our best in terms of speed, we look awful," Boucher said. "If you look at our road games, the problem was when we didn't show up with our speed. We woke up in the second and third periods, but (before that) we didn't have any speed. We didn't have any drive."

Think of it this way, Boucher said, "A really fast guy skates against a really fast guy. What's the difference? Those fractions of seconds."

How do you gain them?

Speed, speed, speed.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@tampabay.com.

Syracuse scandal aside, No. 10 Florida Gators focus on No. 4 Orange

0
0

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011

It is an odd twist of fate that Florida finds itself playing Syracuse in the midst of a brewing scandal involving former Orange assistant coach Bernie Fine, but Florida coach Billy Donovan hopes that when the 10th-ranked Gators and No. 4 Orange tip off Friday in the Carrier Dome, both sides can focus solely on the game.

"I think it's just a tough situation for everybody," Donovan said. "… It really has nothing to do with us, as sad as the whole thing is for everyone involved. I think the players, for both teams, are just going to go out there and play."

This is Florida's second Top 5 opponent in the past three weeks; the Gators traveled to Ohio State last month. Florida will face a Syracuse team loaded with big men without one of its key big men — starting forward Erik Murphy who will miss his second game with a knee bruise and slight meniscus tear. The Gators expect their biggest challenge to come from Syracuse's stellar 2-3 zone.

"One of the reasons their zone is effective is because they have great length, they have great size," Donovan said. "They can alter shots around the basket, and their perimeter guys do a great job of getting out on two shooters. Certainly you've got to make great decisions.. . Our guys have got to be strong with the ball and they've got to take care of the ball."

And they have to rebound. With the use of its four-guard lineup more consistently of late, the onus has fallen on Florida's guards to crash the boards more than ever, so far with fairly good success. Florida is tied for sixth in the nation in rebounding margin (plus-11.4), led by center Patric Young and guard Bradley Beal. Florida hopes to counter Syracuse with four good shooters and a strong inside game.

"We'll get a lot of open shots because they'll have to respect four shooters when we're on the floor," guard Kenny Boynton said. "They have to respect Patric's game on the inside. If Patric starts with a good offensive game, they'll definitely have a hard time guarding us. But we've played Syracuse before and we know you can't settle (for 3's). That's what they want, they want you to hit your first two 3's and eventually they know you're not going to hit them all. They try to capitalize on that, so we've definitely got to try to get the ball in to Patric and penetrate their zone."

Junior guard Mike Rosario, a Rutgers transfer, has the unique perspective of having played in the Carrier Dome, and said the Gators have to be prepared for hostile environment.

"It's a crazy atmosphere," Rosario said. "It's loud and it's a lot of orange. A lot of orange. It's a dome and those guys love to go out there and have fun. Their fans are loyal so it's going to be a good atmosphere to play in. I think this will be a great challenge for us again, another step forward."

Antonya English can be reached at aenglish@tampabay.com.

College basketball preview: No. 10 Florida Gators at No. 4 Syracuse Orange

0
0

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011

When/where: 7, Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.

TV/radio: ESPN/620-AM 620

Records: Florida 5-1. Syracuse 7-0.

Notable: Florida is trying to match its all-time highest-ranked road win — the Gators have twice beaten Kentucky when the Wildcats were ranked No. 4. Florida will face a Syracuse squad that lost just two players from last year's team and returns four starters including its top guards, Scoop Jardine and Brandon Triche. … The Gators are 1-2 against Syracuse under coach Billy Donovan, who also played against Syracuse as a player at Providence.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

College basketball preview: USF women vs. Idaho State

0
0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday, Clune Arena, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Radio: 1010-AM.

Records: USF 5-3, Idaho State 3-3.

Notable: USF heads to the Air Force Classic, with a game against the host Falcons coming on Saturday. Two of the Bulls' three losses are against ranked teams, and USF needs to pile up wins before conference play to bolster its postseason chances. Gs Kaneisha Saunders and Jasmine Wynne are leading the Bulls at 13.5 and 13.1 points per game.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Women's college basketball preview: USF Bulls vs. Idaho State

0
0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011

USF women vs. Idaho State

When/where: 9:30 tonight; Clune Arena, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Radio: 1010-AM

Records: USF 5-3, Idaho State 3-3

Notable: USF heads to the Air Force Classic, with a game Saturday against the host Falcons. Two of USF's three losses are against ranked teams, and it needs wins before conference play to bolster its postseason chances. Guards Kaneisha Saunders and Jasmine Wynne lead USF at 13.5 and 13.1 points per game, respectively.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Injuries plague Tampa Bay Bucs defensive line

0
0

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs entered this season with high hopes for their defensive line, having invested a ton — including two first-round picks, and two second-rounders — into making that their foundation.

But injuries have made that foundation unstable, at best. So much so that, on Sunday, the Bucs are in danger of having none of their Week 1 defensive-line starters on the field for the first snap.

The one exception could be DE Adrian Clayborn (back), who returned to practice Thursday. DT Gerald McCoy (biceps) is out for the season, DE Michael Bennett (groin) could miss his second straight game and DT Brian Price (ankle) is in a walking boot.

"It's next man up," DE Tim Crowder said. "That's the mentality around here. ... I've been in (the league) for a while, and it's been like that. It's to the point where, at the end of the year, guys are going down. It's football."

Veteran DT Albert Haynesworth, claimed off waivers three weeks ago, has played well since joining the Bucs, drawing double teams. Rookie DE Da'Quan Bowers made his first start Sunday. Crowder, DT Roy Miller and DT John McCargo also will rotate in, as could DT Frank Okam.

"It's just part of being a professional, I'm going to go about it just like I'm a starter and I'm going to prepare like I'm a starter, whenever it's my chance to go out and play," Crowder said.

NO TV: No surprise here: Sunday's game at Raymond James Stadium will be blacked out on local television as it did not sell out at least 72 hours before kickoff.

The Bucs previously announced that their final home game — Dec. 17 against the Cowboys — is a sellout and will be shown on NFL Network and simulcast on Ch. 38.

TOP NOTCH: WR Steve Smith may not have the prototypical size of a top receiver, at 5 feet 9, 185 pounds, but he's having another Pro Bowl-like season, racking up 1,060 yards through 11 games. And Smith has been particularly tough on the Bucs, with six 100-yard games against them.

"Steve Smith is a top, top, top guy," secondary coach Jimmy Lake said. "He's a monster."

OLD SCHOOL: The Panthers one-two punch of RB DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart provide enough of a challenge for the Bucs on Sunday. But with dual-threat rookie QB Cam Newton, Carolina uses a lot of option plays and zone reads in its offense, taking advantage of his playmaking ability. The Panthers average 5.1 yards per rushing attempt, which ranks second in the NFL to the Eagles (5.6).

"It's an innovative scheme they're running," Lake said. "They're running a lot of NFL offense and a lot of college-influence offense, too, some of the stuff Newton ran at Auburn."

LB Mason Foster said it's not a situation where they'd dictate one player to be a "spy" on Newton, but he emphasized the importance of keeping him in the pocket and staying in their rush lanes.

Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Andrew Friedman previews Tampa Bay Rays offseason

0
0

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Andrew Friedman prefers to reveal as little as possible about the Rays offseason plans, his theory that there's little benefit in sharing information.

Much of what the executive vice president did say Thursday in advance of next week's winter meetings was the obvious: Their primary needs are at DH, first base and for another reliever or two; they've already received considerable interest in their surplus of starting pitchers; their goal is to improve their offense without weakening their defense; they expect to be active in both trade and free-agent deals.

But he did provide some insight:

• They're not driven to trade any of their eight starting pitchers, but if they do it more likely will be for big-league players who can fill immediate needs than a passel of prospects. "I'd be surprised if we did something that didn't help our 2012, our 2012-13 teams," Friedman said. Expect to hear considerable speculation about the Reds, who have young hitters (such as first baseman Yonder Alonso) and need a frontline starter.

• They view improvements to an offense ranked eighth in runs and 13th in average in the American League on "a sliding scale" with how changes could weaken the league's tidiest defense. "It's more of a net game," he said. Slick fielding first baseman Casey Kotchman, who is now a free agent, remains a possibility to return, as is DH Johnny Damon. "They're very much in the discussion," he said. And they seem unlikely to trade centerfielder B.J. Upton, since his departure would create a further void in the lineup.

• The timing of moves is tricky, as the Rays risk losing free agents to other teams, but they want to explore myriad possibilities. With fewer holes to fill than last offseason, and the payroll set to increase from $42 million (though with no set amount), Rays officials see an opportunity to be even more analytical. "There's a lot of very interesting scenarios out there," he said. "This year we can be a little more selective and a little more patient. ... It's still relatively early for us."

Friedman said they are comfortable with free agent signee Jose Molina and either Jose Lobaton or Robinson Chirinos sharing time behind the plate, but it's possible they could "add more depth." They don't plan to upgrade at shortstop, banking on the returning trio of Reid Brignac, Elliot Johnson and Sean Rodriguez, a group that played solid defense but ranked last in the majors last season with a .193 average and .539 OPS. Outfielder Matt Joyce will get the chance to "play a lot" and Ben Zobrist will spend most of his time at second base.

Also:

• Friedman declined comment on the prospects of leaving for the Astros, who received permission to talk to him about a job. Such a move is considered extremely unlikely.

• Pitchers Alex Cobb (surgery to remove a rib) and Kyle Farnsworth (tender elbow) are both expected to be fully ready for spring training.

• The Rays are among the teams that scouted Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes in the Dominican Republic, but are not expected to join the bidding.

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.


Executive vice president Andrew Friedman previews the Tampa Bay Rays' offseason

0
0

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Andrew Friedman prefers to reveal as little as possible about the Rays' offseason plans, his theory being there's little benefit in sharing information.

Much of what the executive vice president did say Thursday in advance of next week's winter meetings was the obvious: Their primary needs are at DH, first base and for another reliever or two; they've already received considerable interest in their surplus of starting pitchers; their goal is to improve their offense without weakening their defense; they expect to be active in both trade and free agent deals.

But he did provide some insight:

• They're not driven to trade any of their eight starting pitchers, but if they do, it more likely will be for big-league players who can fill immediate needs than a passel of prospects. "I'd be surprised if we did something that didn't help our 2012, our 2012-13 teams," Friedman said. Expect to hear considerable speculation about the Reds, who have young hitters (such as first baseman Yonder Alonso) and need a frontline starter.

• They view improvements to an offense ranked eighth in runs and 13th in average in the American League on "a sliding scale" with how changes could weaken the league's tidiest defense. "It's more of a net game," he said. Slick-fielding first baseman Casey Kotchman, who is a free agent, remains a possibility to return, as is DH Johnny Damon. "They're very much in the discussion," he said. And they seem unlikely to trade centerfielder B.J. Upton, since his departure would create a further void in the lineup.

• The timing of moves is tricky, as the Rays risk losing free agents to other teams, but they want to explore myriad possibilities. With fewer holes to fill than last offseason, and the payroll set to increase from $42 million (though with no set amount), Rays officials see an opportunity to be even more analytical. "There's a lot of very interesting scenarios out there," Friedman said. "This year we can be a little more selective and a little more patient. … It's still relatively early for us."

Friedman said they are comfortable with free agent signee Jose Molina and either Jose Lobaton or Robinson Chirinos sharing time behind the plate, but it's possible they could "add more depth." They don't plan to upgrade at shortstop, banking on the returning trio of Reid Brignac, Elliot Johnson and Sean Rodriguez, a group that played solid defense but ranked last in the majors last season with a .193 average and .539 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. Outfielder Matt Joyce will get the chance to "play a lot," and Ben Zobrist will spend most of his time at second base.

Also:

• Friedman declined comment on the prospects of leaving for the Astros, who received permission to talk to him about a job. Such a move is considered extremely unlikely.

• Pitchers Alex Cobb (surgery to remove a rib) and Kyle Farns­worth (tender elbow) are expected to be fully ready for spring training.

• The Rays are among the teams that scouted Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes in the Dominican Republic, but they are not expected to join the bidding.

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

Captains corner: Shallow-water grouper tough to avoid, but kings are still around

0
0

By Jay Mastry, Times Correspondent
Thursday, December 1, 2011

What's hot: After the recent closure of the recreational gag grouper season, it's as if they know anglers must let them go. Shallow-water grouper fishing has been about as good as it gets. In and around 40 feet we've had keeper-sized fish come to the surface and whack baits intended for mackerel and kingfish. On a couple of recent trips where we were targeting mangrove snapper, the grouper slammed baits before the snapper had a chance. Never thought of a grouper as being a nuisance. Go figure.

Best of the rest: Kingfish have bunched up in the Egmont shipping channel. We've caught kings around markers 7 and 8, and others at 5 and 6, but the majority have seemingly settled in a bit outside. Kingfish can move overnight, but take a look at markers 3 and 4, then bounce out to the next set if necessary.

Tips: At least until now we've been spared the harsh fronts that cause water temperature to plummet and drive the kings past us to a climate more to their liking. Though it's rare, we've had mild winters that have allowed targeting kings until nearly Christmas. Nearshore gulf waters are going to be muddy the next few days due to the recent westerly blows. When it dies down, the 10- to 15-mile trip to cleaner water may be worthwhile.

Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

Outdoors trail mix: St. Petersburg's annual boat show is under way; manatees are in motion, go slow

0
0


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Looking for a new center console or sailboat? Head to the Progress Energy Center for the Arts and the Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin for the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, which runs through Sunday.

With more than 250 marine-related companies and hundreds of boats, there will be something for anglers, cruisers and lovers of all things outdoors. The mix at this year's event is expected to be about 75 percent powerboats and 25 percent sailboats, including many manufacturers displaying next year's models.

Show hours: Today — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday — 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Adults — $8 online, $10 at the door. Children (under 15) and military personnel with valid identification are free. Parking: $6. The Downtown Looper Trolley stops on First Street at the Mahaffey Theater.

Slow, please, manatees in motion

Manatees are on the move to warmer waters, so boaters and anglers should be extra cautious over these next few months to avoid colliding with these slow-moving creatures. Seasonal speed zones have gone into effect across the state now that colder weather is here.

Polarized sunglasses will help you spot manatees. Look for large swirls on the surface of the water (many look like a giant footprint). In shallow water, manatees will often kick up a mud trail.

Here are additional tips courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

• Stay in marked channels.

• Obey posted speed limits.

• Post a lookout on the bow of the boat.

• Use a pole or paddle in areas with heavy manatee traffic.

If you come across a sick or injured manatee, call the FWC's Wildlife Alert hotline toll-free at 1-888-404-3922 or text message Tip@MyFWC.com, Florida residents can call #FWC and *FWC via cellphone.

Many seasonal speed zones went into effect Nov. 15 (for a complete listing, go to www.MyFWC.com/manatee or call the FWC at 850-922-4330).

Pinellas County: A no-motor zone is in effect in the shallow areas south of the Gandy Channel, and north and east of the Progress Energy Power Plant at Weedon Island.

Hillsborough County: There is no entry to portions of the discharge canal of the TECO Power Plant in Apollo Beach until March 31. Idle speed is required in the vicinity of the same power plant.

Citrus County: Speed limit of 25 mph required in the lower (western) portions of the Withlacoochee River and Bennetts Creek, the lower (western) portions of the Chassahowitzka River and portions of Kings Bay. Idle or slow speeds have been mandated in portions of the Homosassa River between the Salt River and Trade Winds Marina and southern portion of Halls River. Slow speed is required in all waters in the vicinity of Florida Power's effluent canal. No entry is permitted in the Blue Waters area of the upper Homosassa River near Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

Gift for getting out

Join St. Petersburg Times Outdoors Editor Terry Tomalin at a book signing for Everyday Adventures, a Florida travel guide, which contains 80 adventures that cover everything from kite surfing to cave diving.

Saturday: 2-3:30 p.m., Haslam's Bookstore, 2025 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Call (727) 822-8616.

Dec. 10: 2-3:30 p.m., USF Barnes & Noble, 500 3rd Street S, St. Petersburg. Call (727) 873-2665.

Dec. 17: 1-2:30 p.m., Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure, 9501 U.S. 19 N, Pinellas Park. Call (727) 576-4169.

The book is also available online for $14.95 at seasidepublishing.com. To learn more, go to tampabay.com/everyday- adventures.

Gifts to wear or hang inside

Just in time for Christmas, local angler-artist Kevin Brant has opened a new shop and working studio for his game fish and wildlife art called Gallery at 670 Central Ave. in downtown St. Petersburg. Brant, whose depictions of inshore sport fish have adorned a popular line of T-shirts, will also be exhibiting his work at the boat show in St. Petersburg this weekend. The former Coast Guard helicopter search-and-rescue crewman studied at Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale but learned his craft fishing the flats of Tampa Bay. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and a series of popular fish identification books. To learn more, go to kevinbrant.com or call (727) 741-3944.

trailmix

{outdoors-related bits and bites}

Springstead high grad will play volleyball in Switzerland

0
0

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Thursday, December 1, 2011

SPRING HILL — Brooke Seaman's focus has always allowed her to translate ambition into results.

Even before middle school, Seaman was mature beyond her years, mapping out a plan that would lead her to a career playing volleyball. When she landed a professional contract in early November with VBC Biel/Bienne, a member of the First Division Swiss National A-League in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, that dream came to fruition.

"Once I started playing, I made it my goal to go pro, and the first step was college," Seaman says in an online video blog. "I have been training on my own for over a year now."

Her athletic road began at Springstead High School. Coming from a military family, Seaman moved around a great deal as a youth, and her prep years were her first chance to settle down.

Her skill on the court allowed her to fit in. She stood out on a mediocre team.

Even though she played only two years, Seaman quickly became the Eagles' leader on and off the court. Her presence led the program to its biggest win at the time when Springstead upset a top-ranked Central team.

When her prep career wrapped up in 2005 and she graduated in 2006, Seaman didn't receive much attention from recruiters. She considered going into the armed forces. But she refused to give up on her aspirations.

Seaman contacted college coaches on the Internet and finally found an interested party: Brevard College in North Carolina. Coaches at the Division II program offered her a scholarship and soon discovered they had landed a star.

Replacing All-American Marquessa Chappell, Seaman went on to become the Tornados' leading hitter and set multiple records for the program, including most kills in a match (25), highest hitting percentage in a match (70 percent), highest hitting percentage in a season (34 percent), most solo blocks in a match (seven), most solo blocks in a season (59) and most total blocks in a career (502).

"She truly took advantage of all the physical, mental and spiritual lessons and took her game constantly to the next level," Brevard coach Brenda Skeffington said. "We talk about achieving your peak performance and striving for excellence every day, and Brooke not only was extremely coachable, but she took advantage of coming back in the spring season of her senior year."

In fact, the Tornados have floundered since her graduation. After going 15-15 her senior season, Brevard has gone 3-26 and 6-24 subsequently.

One of Seaman's goals has been to give back to the sport through coaching, and she did that last year by moving back home to Spring Hill and becoming an assistant at her alma mater, Springstead.

Her addition to the staff, while only for a season and a half, had an impact on the team. She was instrumental in installing the Eagles' current offense, a carryover from the system she used in college.

Springstead went on to its best finish ever this season with a state region semifinal berth.

Her departure from the Eagles was only because of her success in pursuing a pro contract. During her senior season at Brevard, she had played in Argentina for USA Athletes International, so she jumped at the opportunity to make her home overseas.

The post-college training she did on her own was exceptional. Not only she did compete in every volleyball tournament she could find; she went on 50-mile bike rides and worked out nonstop.

"She never stopped," said her father, Ronald Seaman. "She would record these video blogs to show herself on the road to her dream."

The videos, on Seaman's Facebook page, show her candidly talking about her career plans and dreams.

After receiving interest from a franchise in Sweden, it was VBC Biel/Bienne that made her a firm offer. She had made contact with the team through a friend and mentor, former North Carolina State standout Stefani Eddins.

A total of 133 American players are currently competing professionally overseas, according to USA Volleyball. Among that group is every member of last year's U.S. national team.

VBC is 0-5 so far this season, having won only one set. However, the team is showing improvement. Volero Zurich was ranked in the preseason as the best team in the league, and VBC took a set (25-22) from them Nov. 21. There are five remaining matches on the schedule.

Seaman doesn't deal well with losing, but she is also still adjusting to her new life as a professional and a Swiss resident. It was a culture change she knew she would have to face.

"Not only will the language be different, but my entire lifestyle will change," she said in an interview with bctornados.com prior to her departure. "From the food I eat to the clothes I wear, all the way down to the way I separate my trash, things will be different."

Seaman declined to discuss the terms of her contract, but said she is living "very comfortably." Transportation, food and living expenses are covered by the club, she said.

The final step in Seaman's climb is to compete professionally in the United States someday in one of the leagues being proposed here. She is aware of how difficult that would be, but is no stranger to overcoming obstacles.

For her family, including a father who is a disabled veteran, nothing would make them prouder.

"As parents, you want your kids to be happy first and foremost," said Ronald Seaman, a former U.S. Army sergeant. "She has ambitions to do things that are good, and she wants to represent our country, which really makes me happy."

NHL realignment issues still being sorted out

0
0

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 3, 2011

By the time the NHL owners finish meeting Monday in Pebble Beach, Calif., the league and its playoff structure might have a new look.

Realignment will be the main topic of discussion.

Whether there will be a radical makeover, a simple solution or a motion for more study remains to be seen, but the first realignment since 1998-99 is coming.

It might be that just two teams are shifted. But there also are discussions about forming two conferences with two divisions each. Currently, each conference has three divisions.

Realignment is an issue because the Atlanta franchise moved to Winnipeg and became the Jets. Winnipeg this season remained in the Southeast Division with the Lightning, but that is simply weird and cannot be sustained.

The easy solution would be to move Winnipeg to the Central Division in the Western Conference and shift either Nashville or Columbus to the Southeast. But Detroit, in the West, wants to come east, and there is speculation the Red Wings could end up in the Southeast.

"We don't want to lock ourselves into one solution and then find we can't get the support," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "We want to be in the East. We would take anywhere in the East. But if we had to be in the West, we want to make sure we play everybody home and away."

The four-division solution — the latest speculation from the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.'s Hockey Night in Canada is Tampa Bay might be in one with the Maple Leafs, Senators, Canadiens, Bruins, Sabres and Panthers — is intriguing because it would include two rounds of playoffs within each division to determine the conference finalists. For a league desperate to cultivate rivalries, that is attractive.

The problem is that given franchise locations, two divisions might have eight teams and two seven. Assuming four teams from each division would make the playoffs, a higher percentage would advance from the smaller divisions.

Would that be fair? Would the Lightning and Panthers agree to a division that penalizes them with so much travel? Much needs to be discussed.

Viewing all 18574 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images