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Wrestling: Brandon secures yet another Hillsborough County Championship

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By Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Saturday, January 28, 2012

GIBSONTON — Powerhouse Brandon, which has won the Hillsborough County Championships since its inception in 2002, did it again with 366 points, well ahead of runnerup Durant's 206.

Saturday at East Bay, the Eagles had a shot at repeating last year's performance when they claimed 12 of 14 individual titles. This time, however, Brandon settled for nine of 14.

Of the three county wrestlers to defeat a Brandon finalist, one was a former Eagle. Wharton's Tyler Liberatore, a three-time state champion for the Eagles before his family moved to New Tampa, pinned Troy Joyce in 57 seconds in the 138-pound final.

"That's my old team, and I still show them the utmost respect," Liberatore said. "I don't go out there with a chip on my shoulder or anything like that."

Hillsborough's Demetrius Hill and Ben Richards gave Brandon its other losses in the finals. Hill scored a 7-3 decision over Robert Enmon at 195 pounds and Richards, a county runnerup last season, bounced back from a right arm injury to defeat John Summitt 6-2 at 220.

"You always want to beat them; you always want to take out a Brandon guy," said Richards, who missed the past seven weeks with his injury.

Brandon champions included: Dylan Lucas, 106; James Flint, 113; Rossi Bruno, 126; Kevin Norstrem, 132; Dakota Greene, 145; Travis Berridge, 152; Clark Glass, 160; Jacob Haydock, 170; and Kyle Koziel, 182.

The other division winners were Plant City's William Joyce at 120 and Durant's Richard Woods at 285.


Survey on college football recruiting finds desire for change

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 28, 2012

Feedback

In a Tampa Bay Times survey of Division I-A programs, several offered responses to what NCAA recruiting rule they would change. Some responses:

• "Allow schools to pay for transportation for parents to and from an official visit as well as meals for siblings."

• "Eliminate high school all-star games. Their tie-in with recruiting services has disrupted the process. In addition, the recruiting services now serve as a middle man between the institution and the prospect."

• "To allow prospects to take official visits in the summer prior to their senior year. Prospects are making their school decision earlier and earlier each year, and this would allow prospects to make more educated decisions."

• "Remove ban on text messaging, relax rules on correspondence, less restrictive on 'small stuff' and more restrictive on 'big problems.' "

• "The NCAA should de-regulate the communications process. The limits on text messaging and other electronic forms of communication are outdated and cumbersome."

• "Allow the head coach to go and recruit during the spring."

• "That a recruit could never come on campus until his senior (year) has begun. Hopefully this would stop schools from offering kids at such an early age."

• "Early signing period, possibly prior to the start of their senior season. I would protect the student athlete as well."

• "At this time we are only allowed a certain amount of contacts with the prospect. I don't feel this is time enough time to properly evaluate a prospect as a person. You shouldn't be able pull a kid out of class but one day a week. You should be able to watch athletic contests more than the allotted rules at this time. Being able to talk to parents at these contests would also be helpful."

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

TAMPA — College football's top programs will restock their rosters Wednesday with the nation's top high school prospects. As another recruiting class is about to become official, several issues could soon change the nature of the recruiting process.

What does college football think about recruiting issues? The Tampa Bay Times sent a short survey to football personnel at all 120 Division I-A programs last week, asking for responses on a few key topics significant in recruiting. There were 26 responses, at least one from every I-A conference, and the results offer a glimpse at how potential changes would be received by the coaching community.

One change that drew considerable support — 81 percent in our survey — was the addition of a fall signing period for football, as basketball has. A December date would allow schools and recruits to make their decisions binding earlier, with the February period still in place for recruits who want more time to choose their college after their seasons.

"It enables the school to continue recruiting, knowing a person is not going to change his mind at the end," said John Ballein, Virginia Tech's associate athletic director for football administration, who spoke after participating in the survey.

"Let's say your goal is to sign one quarterback, and a guy commits to you, and you go all the way up to signing day, then he de-commits that last week and goes somewhere else. Well, you've (stopped recruiting) everybody else. My belief, and coach (Frank) Beamer's belief, is an early signing period would reduce some of those issues."

A larger majority was opposed to the possibility of colleges moving to multiyear scholarships instead of the current model of one-year renewable scholarships. Eighty-eight percent said they were against multiyear scholarships, with only three responses in support of such a change.

The survey asked when it is appropriate for a college to rescind a scholarship offer, with four options: any time at a school's discretion, when a head coaching change takes place during the process, when a recruit is still taking other visits late in the process, or never. More than half, 54 percent, chose when a recruit is still visiting elsewhere, with 42 percent choosing at the school's discretion. One response was for the coaching change.

Respondents acknowledged that the advent of social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook have changed the recruiting process; 58 percent said they use such sites "very much" in monitoring recruits and where they stand in choosing a school. The question of whether those sites help or hurt recruiting produced a divided response.

About 31 percent said social media sites had made recruiting harder, 19 percent saw no significant change and half said they made recruiting easier, including 11.5 percent who said it was "much easier."

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@tampabay.com and at (813) 226-3346. Check out his blog at tampabay.com/blogs/bulls and follow him at Twitter.com/gregauman.

Results of Tampa Bay Times survey on college football recruiting

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 28, 2012

The survey

The questions in and results of a Tampa Bay Times survey of all 120 Division I-A football programs about recruiting. Twenty-six schools responded.

1. Early signing period

"Would you support an early signing period for high school football players in December, six weeks before the current signing period?"

Yes: 80.8 percent

No: 19.2 percent

2. Multiyear scholarships

"Are you in favor of schools being required to offer student-athletes multiyear scholarships, as opposed to ones that are renewable each year?"

Yes: 11.5 percent

No: 88.5 percent

3. Social media

"How has the influx of social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook changed recruiting for you?"

• Made it much harder: 19.2 percent

• Made it slightly harder: 11.5 percent

• No significant change: 19.2 percent

• Made it slightly easier: 38.5 percent

• Made it much easier: 11.5 percent

"How much do you use social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook to monitor recruits and where they stand in the recruiting process?"

Very much: 57.7 percent

A little bit: 42.3 percent

Not at all: 0 percent

4. Signing day

"When is it appropriate for a school to rescind a scholarship offer to a recruit before signing day?"

Any time, at a school's discretion: 42.3 percent

If school changes head coach during recruiting process: 3.8 percent

If player is still taking visits late in recruiting process: 53.8 percent

Never: 0 percent

Versatile Pead makes noise

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Times wires
Saturday, January 28, 2012

MOBILE, Ala. — Isaiah Pead took a stutter step forward, then raced to the left sideline and traveled 60 yards up the field before finally getting tripped up by a leg tackle.

The former Cincinnati running back followed that nifty punt return with a 38-yarder a couple of minutes later, late in the first half, to play a starring role Saturday in the North's 23-13 victory over the South in the Senior Bowl.

The first one set up a field goal and helped Pead outshine bigger names to earn Most Valuable Player honors.

Among state players, Florida State linebacker Nigel Bradham had one sack, three tackles and a pass breakup. Fellow Seminole Zebrie Sanders started at right tackle. Florida running back Chris Rainey had three kick returns for 60 yards, one punt return for 17 yards and one carry for 5 yards. Fellow Gator Jaye Howard had two assisted tackles on the defensive line.

Michigan State's Kirk Cousins and Wisconsin's Russell Wilson threw touchdowns for the North. Purdue kicker Carson Wiggs put it away with his third short field goal, a 28-yarder with 4:11 left in the showcase for senior NFL prospects.

Pead only had 74 yards on eight punt returns as a senior. But not only did his big play spark the North, the 5-foot-10, 193-pounder also gained a team-high 31 yards on eight carries.

"I think he may have opened some eyes," said Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier, who led the North. "Some people may have wondered if he can do certain things. I think he may have answered some questions today."

Arkansas receiver Joe Adams, the South's Most Outstanding Player, had eight catches for 133 yards. Linebacker Bobby Wagner of Utah State (seven tackles and an interception) was named the North's Most Outstanding Player.

INTERIM PICK INTERVIEWS TO REPLACE SCHIANO: Interim coach Kyle Flood interviewed for the head coaching job to replace Greg Schiano at Rutgers. Schiano stepped down Thursday to become the Bucs' coach. Flood said none of the 17 high school players who had committed to the Scarlet Knights had changed their mind going into Wednesday's national signing day.

NORTHWESTERN: The Wildcats landed wide receiver Kyle Prater, a former five-star recruit and Chicago-area product who transferred from Southern California. He redshirted as a freshman and had just one catch for 6 yards last year in an injury-plagued season.

Cardsretaintarget of Bucs

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Times wires
Saturday, January 28, 2012

The Cardinals have denied the Bucs' request to interview receivers coach John McNulty for Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator job, the Arizona Republic and NFL.com reported Saturday.

McNulty, Rutgers' offensive coordinator under new Bucs coach Greg Schiano from 2004-08, was the Bucs' top choice for the job, NFL.com reported. The Bucs requested permission to speak to McNulty on Friday and were promptly denied.

NFL rules say teams can deny permission to assistants to interview for all positions except head coach.

Meanwhile, New Jersey's Newark Star-Ledger reported Schiano owes Rutgers $800,000 because of his departure. Of that, $500,000 is due within 30 days, as dictated by his contract with the school signed in 2007.

The other $300,000 comes from an $800,000 interest-free mortgage that also was part of his contract. Rutgers forgave $100,000 of the mortgage for every season he remained coach.

Schiano owns the property and the house Rutgers built for him near its stadium. But his exit gives the school the option of buying it.

Stadium owner says Rams violating lease

ST. LOUIS — The Rams' plan to play a home game in London each of the next three seasons violates their lease for the Edward Jones Dome, the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission says.

This month, the league announced St. Louis would face New England in London next season. (The other two opponents haven't been determined.) And like the Bucs' trip to London this season, it would count as a home game for the Rams.

The lease calls for the team to play all its home games other than preseason games at the commission-owned stadium, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said.

The commission said in a news release it was awaiting a response from the team. Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff did not respond to a telephone message from the Associated Press.

the commission faces a Wednesday deadline to submit a proposal for stadium improvements. The Rams can opt out of the lease after the 2014 season if the stadium is not judged to be among the top quarter in quality in the NFL.

"I think it's obvious that the Rams expect the CVC to adhere to the terms of the lease," said Jeff Rainford, chief of staff to St. Louis mayor Francis Slay. "And I think it's reasonable for CVC to expect the Rams adhere to the lease."

Bears: Phil Emery, the Chiefs' director of college scouting, was hired as general manager. Emery was an area scout for the Bears from 1998-2004. From 2004-08, he was director of college scouting for the Falcons and in 2009 worked for them as a regional scout. Emery replaces the fired Jerry Angelo.

Chiefs: General manager Scott Pioli said it is likely new coach Romeo Crennel also will act as defensive coordinator. It's the position he held with the team before replacing the fired Todd Haley.

Colts: Bruce Arians, who recently resigned as Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, will take on the same position in Indianapolis under new coach Chuck Pagano, ESPN.com reported. Current offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen was not fired with former coach Jim Caldwell. His status is unknown. Meanwhile, Bill Polian, recently fired as vice chairman, was hired by SiriusXM. He will host a talk show three times a week for the satellite radio company.

49ers: Linebacker Aldon Smith, whose 14 sacks this season led all rookies, was arrested for driving under the influence in Miami Beach. A police spokesman said he had no information about the arrest. The 49ers said they were aware of the arrest and will "monitor the developments closely."

Air Force pilot's talk helps Giants' D

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Times wires
Saturday, January 28, 2012

If Jim Demarest describes an experience as "awesome" and "pretty great," it carries weight. After all, he's a Desert Storm veteran and Air Force fighter pilot.

But that was what he said he was thinking after the Giants' win in the NFC title game, a win in which he played an indirect role.

Amid the celebration, defensive backs coach Peter Giunta introduced Demarest to his brother by saying: "This is 'Boots.' He really helped our team get to the Super Bowl."

Said Demarest, who got his nickname as a young pilot with an especially well-shined pair of flying boots: "It doesn't get much better than that."

Demarest and his firm, Afterburner, specialize in team building from the perspective of former military men. What began as a presentation by Demarest, 51, and two colleagues during the bye week in mid October led to a daylong visit to the Giants' practice facility by Demarest on Nov. 7.

Since then, the lifelong Giants fan has remained in contact, primarily via email, with coach Tom Coughlin and his assistants, especially defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.

Among the themes Afterburner addressed, the one that resonated most with the team was "debriefing," reviewing what went right or wrong during a game.

The trick, Demarest said, is to do so in an open, "nameless and rankless" environment in which anyone can say what is on his mind without fear of consequences. Fewell said the presentation greatly helped his unit, which struggled for most of the season but has shined during the playoffs.

"Nameless and rankless, those are the two words we've taken … to really help our defense over the last two months," Fewell said. "Those words enabled us to really understand that we are all human, we all make mistakes and no one on our defense is on a pedestal.

"It's forced us to all be accountable to each other. When we have our debrief sessions after games, our leaders are forced to stand up and take charge of the room to get everyone on the same page and working together."

As Demarest was warned, getting and keeping the attention of football players is a challenge. But fighter pilots have a better chance than most.

"For them, it's life and death," Giants S Deon Grant said. "So hearing them talk about how they can put their pride and feelings to the side and come together was the main key I took from what they tried to teach us."

Nice gifts: Patriots WR Chad Ochocinco bought teammates and coaches $400 headphones for the plane ride to Indianapolis. The 70 pairs cost him $28,000.

Bed checks: Coughlin said he will institute a curfew for players. But just as four years ago, the last time his team played in the Super Bowl, he conferred with team leaders before making the decision.

"The main thing is that they're professionals and they understand they're going to the biggest sporting event in the world," said Coughlin, who didn't disclose at what time players must be in their hotel room. "They want to make sure that they prepare themselves properly for this great occurrence. We've talked about different aspects of this all week long.

"There's no way that anyone wants to do anything to embarrass himself, his family name, his franchise. That's all been stated. But I think this group is really, really interested in being as good as they can possibly be."

Woods tied at top, looking for double

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Times wires
Saturday, January 28, 2012

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Tiger Woods put himself in position to win his second straight tournament Saturday, and this one would leave little doubt about which direction his game is going.

He finally won two months ago against an 18-man field in California.

On Saturday, against the strongest field golf has seen in at least three months, Woods shot 6-under 66 for a share of the lead with Robert Rock going into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

The topic suddenly shifts from the state of his swing and his health. Woods has a 55-8 record worldwide when he has at least a share of the lead going into the final round, and a win today would be the first time since August 2009 that he has won consecutive starts.

"It's fun when I'm able to control the golf ball like I did," Woods said.

Woods traded drama for consistency, racking up six birdies in a bogey-free round. He hit fairways, tamed the par 5s and sank clutch putts, including a 6-footer for birdie on the last hole.

"It just seemed like I didn't do a lot of things right but I didn't do a lot of things wrong (Saturday); it was just very consistent," said Woods, who finished at 11-under 205.

Rock, at No. 117 in the world, birdied his final two holes to join Woods in the last group with Peter Hanson, who had a 64 and was two shots behind.

Also two back at 9-under 207 was Rory McIlroy, who shot 68.

Francesco Molinari (66) and Paul Lawrie (68) were tied for third.

Woods was two shots back after the second round but opened with a birdie, followed by another on No. 7. He grabbed a share of the lead after he just missed an eagle putt on 10 and settled for a birdie. He briefly took the outright lead with a birdie on 14.

Some in the crowd yelled, "Tiger's back."

Woods refused to talk about his chances of winning. "There's a ton of guys with a chance to win," he said. "I can't go out there and shoot even par and expect to win. I've got to go out there and go get it."

PGA: Stanley's drives build five-stroke lead

SAN DIEGO — Kyle Stanley overpowered Torrey Pines to open a five-shot lead at the Farmers Insurance Open.

About the only regret for Stanley was missing a 4-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole that would have broken the 54-hole tournament record set by Woods in 1998, before Rees Jones beefed up the South Course for the 2008 U.S. Open. Stanley still managed a 4-under 68, a spot alongside Woods in the record book at 18-under 198 and in position for his first win.

"For some reason, I've always been long," said Stanley, who has a slight but athletic build and generates enormous club speed. "But if you take a golf course like this where you're hitting 7-irons into par 5s and short irons into long par 4s, it definitely helps."

He built a three-shot lead with a birdie on the second hole and was never really challenged.

John Huh, a 21-year-old rookie who spent three years on the Korean Tour, and John Rollins each had 68 and were at 13-under 203. FedEx Cup champion Bill Haas (70) and Bae (72) were another shot behind.

Wrestling: Fivay wins SAC tournament, the school's first-ever conference crown

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By Derek LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Saturday, January 28, 2012

HUDSON — With a dominant victory in the Sunshine Athletic Conference Championships on Saturday, Fivay didn't just win a title. The Falcons achieved something no program in school history had ever done before: win a conference championship.

Hosting the event, Fivay amassed 230.5 points, had eight wrestlers reach the finals and had four individual champions. Meanwhile, runnerup Sunlake finished with 162 points, had two in the finals and one champion.

"This week was about building momentum into district," Fivay coach Andy Medders said. "We're going to feed off of this going into the state tournament."

The most impressive of the Falcons' wins might have come from Mike Hahn in the 220-pound weight class. Faced with a rematch of last year's SAC finals against Pasco's Zack Jordan, Hahn pushed his record to 45-0 this season by pinning the Pirates heavyweight in 5 minutes, 44 seconds. Last season, he pinned Jordan in 3:32.

One season after winning two individual crowns, Fivay also got titles from Jesse Barker (126 pounds), Dominic Grilli (170) and Nicco Lightfoot (182).

Sunlake did its damage with depth. Although Benjamin Franklin (285) pushed through for a 5-3 upset victory over Fivay's Kelly Meus, the Seahawks had 10 other placers and finished with the second-most pins in the tournament with 16.

"What it was (Saturday) was 14 guys working all together," Sunlake coach Russ Schenk said. "This is the toughest tournament a lot these kids have ever been in, and I think it's a good barometer of where we are heading into district."

Three notable individual champions were Wiregrass Ranch's Kyle Koesling (113) and Elliot Morales (138), Pasco's J.P. Gamez (120), and Wesley Chapel's Nick Popolillo (152). The wins gave them all multiple SAC titles in their careers.

Koesling pinned Fivay's Troy Reed in 4:05 for his second conference title in three years. Morale's 9-0 major decision over Pasco's Niko DeAugustino gave him back-to-back titles. Gamez decisioned Fivay's Sean Speer 14-8 for his second SAC title as well. Popolillo will finish his career with three crowns after pinning Mitchell's Jarrett Frisbie in 3:16.

Pasco coach Mark DeAugustino told Gamez that his win was "just a stepping stone" toward state.

"It's been my dream since I was in eighth grade to win at state," Gamez said. "It's really something when something transitions from a dream to a goal."

Gulf, whose streak of three consecutive conference titles ended, had three individual titles — Anthony Agazarm (106), Robert Napolitano (132) and Spencer Baxter (160) — while coming in third with 150.5 points.


Tampa Bay Rays still have pitching to deal after filling most holes through free agency

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 28, 2012

The Rays' primary goal going into the offseason was to bolster their occasionally anemic offense without diminishing their dazzling defense.

Additionally, they wanted to add a few experienced arms to their bullpen, improve their bench and solidify their catching.

For the most part, they have done all that, though it sure seems they still need to add another experienced catcher, given that Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos, the potential partners for Jose Molina, have a combined 42 games in the majors.

The surprise is how the Rays have done that: primarily by opening their checkbook — committing more than $18 million to five free agents — and without trading any starting pitchers.

To think they'd get this close to spring training with their primary holes filled and still have Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann in their stable of starters would have seemed most unlikely, especially given the high number of pitchers traded elsewhere.

From what it sounds like, the Rays just didn't find a deal to their liking. Also, they're still looking.

They say they are willing to go to spring training — and even into the season — with an extra starter, but it's also likely other teams will become more willing/desperate going forward, and as injuries occur.

"Whenever we're able to preserve depth, and especially when we're able to preserve talent, it's a good thing for us," team president Matt Silverman said. "We don't chase deals; we look for deals that work for both sides. We haven't found one in a number of realms, but that doesn't mean that we're not looking. So we continue to do that.

"Money is a scarce commodity, but sometimes prospects and talent are even scarcer. So in this case we were able to address our offseason needs, or many of them, without that type of trade."

For now.

With the payroll pushing $65 million, an increase of nearly 60 percent, there isn't expected to be any more wiggle room. But the Rays could free up some cash by trading Niemann (who will get $2.75 million or $3.2 million in arbitration) or Davis ($1.5 million) either for an experienced catcher (the Cubs' Geovany Soto? A's Kurt Suzuki? Padres' Nick Hundley?) or prospects and go back into the free-agent market (Pudge Rodriguez? Bengie Molina, to play with brother Jose?).

MADDON DEAL: A three-year contract extension for manager Joe Maddon, barring an unexpected late twist, will be completed and announced after he returns from Europe this week and before the Feb. 20 opening of spring training.

RAYS RUMBLINGS: Niemann's arbitration hearing is Thursday in St. Petersburg; the Rays are 5-0 in arbitration (4-0 in the Andrew Friedman regime). … Principal owner Stuart Sternberg was a funny guy at last weekend's New York Baseball Writers' Association of America dinner, joking as he accepted Jeremy Hellickson's rookie of the year and Maddon's top manager awards that the awards soon would be auctioned online at "WeNeedMoneyForPeña.com." … Two interesting lines from Hellickson's Des Moines Register Web chat: He's ready to throw his cutter more, and among the basketball-playing Rays he's "definitely the best shooter and ball handler." … Interesting theory that the Rays raising their offer to sign Carlos Peña (for $7.25 million) led the Tigers to spend $214 million on Prince Fielder. … For context of new INF Jeff Keppinger striking out only 142 times in 2,287 career plate appearances, consider that CF B.J. Upton struck out 161 times in 640 appearances last season. … For auctions to raise money for his old Lafayette College baseball team, Maddon has donated four tickets and field passes to 38 Rays games in 14 cities; see goleopards.com. … Lobaton, sidelined in Venezuela since November with shoulder issues, said on Twitter he was healthy and ready for spring training.

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com. Follow his coverage on Twitter at @TBTimes_Rays.

Azarenka takes No. 1 with title

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Times wires
Saturday, January 28, 2012

MELBOURNE, Australia — Victoria Azarenka started celebrating, then suddenly did a double take to ask her coach, "What happened?"

The answer: She had just produced one of the most lopsided Australian Open final victories to capture a Grand Slam title and the No. 1 ranking for the first time.

Azarenka routed three-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-0 in 1 hour, 22 minutes on Saturday, winning 12 of the last 13 games after dropping her first service game and falling behind 2-0.

"It's a dream come true," she said. "I have been dreaming and working so hard to win the Grand Slam, and being No. 1 is a pretty good bonus. Just the perfect ending and the perfect position to be in."

Azarenka had won 11 straight matches, including a run to the Sydney International title, and reached her first Grand Slam final. Her previous best performance at a major was a semifinal loss to Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon last year. Sharapova had all the experience, being in her sixth major final and having won three dating to her 2004 Wimbledon title.

It didn't unnerve Azarenka, 22, the first woman from Belarus to win a singles major. She's also the seventh different woman to win a Grand Slam since Francesca Schiavone won the 2010 French Open and the fifth different winner in as many majors.

Azarenka became the third woman to earn the No. 1 spot after winning her first major title. She moved up from No. 3, helped by then-No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki's loss in the quarterfinals.

Azarenka, seeded third, set up the championship point with a stunning forehand, her 14th clean winner, and sealed it when Sharapova netted a backhand.

She dropped to her knees at the baseline with her hands over her face. She got up, held her hands up and jogged over to her coach, Sam Sumyk, in the stands to celebrate.

"The best feeling, for sure," Azarenka said. "I don't know about the game. I don't know what I was doing out there. It's just pure joy what happened. I can't believe it's over."

And she gave special credit to her grandmother, "the person who inspires me the most in my life."

Azarenka has been a distinctive presence at Melbourne Park as much for her shrieks and hoots with each shot and seemingly boundless energy as for her white shorts, blue singlet and lime green head and wrist bands. Against Sharapova, she maintained the frenetic movement that has been the hallmark of her performance in Australia, her 25th consecutive major.

She won the Sydney International title last weekend and is on a 12-match winning streak, and she became the first player since 2004 to win a WTA tour event the week before winning a major.

DOUBLES: Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek denied Wesley Chapel residents Bob and Mike Bryan their record 12th Grand Slam title, beating the twins 7-6 (7-1), 6-2 in the final. The Bryans remain tied with Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge with 11 major titles in the Open era.

All-Star nod still thrills, amazes Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 28, 2012

When it comes to the All-Star Game, Steven Stamkos said he still feels like a little kid.

The Lightning center — Tampa Bay's only player in today's game at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa — said he will be star-struck hanging around "(players) I grew up watching and still watch today."

"When they say complimentary stuff to you, it's kind of weird," he said. "You never see yourself as one of the top players in the league."

Stamkos, in his second straight All-Star Game, is that, with a league-best 32 goals and on his way to a second Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL's top goal-scorer.

Just as noteworthy, though, and under the radar, has been his evolution into a star under his own power.

No longer under the wings of veterans such as Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis, Stamkos, who turns 22 on Feb. 7, is setting his own pace as a player and own agenda as a team leader.

He is a strong voice in the locker room, Lecavalier said. And on the ice, where for so long he was tied to St. Louis, Stamkos is producing on his own.

No longer a fixture on Stamkos' line, St. Louis has assisted on only nine Stamkos goals. Part of that is a result of Tampa Bay's abysmal power play. But Stamkos compensates with a league-best 26 even-strength goals.

"It's important for any competitor to feel he has control over his game," coach Guy Boucher said. "Whether he's linked to Marty or Vinny or anyone who has been here before, deep down every player wants to be his own man."

"You like to know," Stamkos said, "that you can be a player who can go out there and want the puck and make plays."

There were doubts last season. Stamkos disappeared with five goals in his final 28 regular-season games.

The retooling began during the playoffs as Stamkos learned to rely less on his one-timer from the left faceoff circle that teams had all but taken away. He also paid more attention to defense.

Stamkos now is a threat to score from anywhere on the ice, particularly from in front of the net. He is good enough defensively that Boucher occasionally uses him on the penalty kill, and his average 21:15 of ice time is a career high and fifth among league centers.

But it wasn't until this season's goal numbers exploded that the improvements were noted.

"He's proved to people he can play with whoever and still produce," St. Louis said.

"I think I just matured as a player and a person," Stamkos said and added about last season, "Those are times when you mature, going through experiences like that. You learn the little tricks of the trade that make the veteran guys so successful."

Still, despite endorsement deals with Nike, Bauer, Tissot watches, Royal Bank of Canada and Garnier Fructis hair products, for which he grew his locks, Stamkos apparently can't wrap his mind around his star status.

"I don't really see myself as the guy who is leading the league in goals," he said.

How do his teammates see Stamkos? Said Lecavalier: "He's definitely his own man."

THRILL FOR THILL: Lightning equipment manager Ray Thill will be behind one of the benches today. It is his first All-Star Game in 11 years with Tampa Bay.

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

College basketball preview: USF Bulls vs. Providence Friars

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 28, 2012

TODAY

USF vs. Providence

When/where: 2; Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa

Radio: 1250-AM

Records: Providence 12-9, 1-7 Big East; USF 12-9, 5-3

Notable: If USF's to a point where it could look past an opponent, this is the kind the Bulls shouldn't: Providence has struggled in Big East play but is capable of big wins, as in the Friars' lone Big East win, a 31-point upset of Louisville. … The Bulls get the Friars twice within two weeks, and those games could be the difference between the NIT and missing the cut. … Providence has solid scorers in guards Vincent Council (16.7 ppg) and Bryce Cotten (15), but USF has won with the Big East's toughest defense. … The Bulls have won three of the past four against Providence — albeit close games — so they should have confidence at home. … Watch for the chance of highlight-reel dunks from Bulls guards Jawanza Poland, Victor Rudd and Hugh Robertson.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Crosby injured neck; Pens told it's healed

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Times wires
Saturday, January 28, 2012

PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby isn't just dealing with the lingering effects of a concussion. A California doctor says the Penguins star also is recovering from a neck injury.

And Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, said he can't rule out the possibility that the injury could be to his vertebrae.

"There's been speculation that I really can't comment on at this point," Brisson said Saturday at the All-Star skills competition in Ottawa. "I can't rule it out. I don't know. I'm not a radiologist."

Crosby visited with neurological spine specialist Dr. Robert S. Bray in Los Angeles this week as he continues treatment for symptoms that resurfaced Dec. 5 during a loss to Boston.

Crosby initially said he didn't sustain a concussion against the Bruins, but the team says Bray diagnosed Crosby with one and also discovered an unspecified neck injury. Bray told the team the neck injury is "fully healed."

The 2006-07 MVP missed more than 10 months after sustaining head shots in consecutive games in early January 2011. He returned on Nov. 21 and had 12 points in eight games before the symptoms resurfaced.

The team said Bray's findings will be evaluated by independent specialists.

General manager Ray Shero said in Ottawa that Crosby had returned from California and that he was "optimistic" Crosby will play again this season.

All-Star skills

OTTAWA — Patrick Kane's Superman cape and Zdeno Chara's blistering hot slap shot weren't enough to beat Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson and his team stocked with hometown favorites, which beat Team Chara 21-12.

The Lightning's lone representative, NHL goal-scoring leader Steven Stamkos, scored on all three of his shots in the elimination shootout as Team Alfredsson easily clinched the victory in that event.

Kane, of Team Chara, wore Clark Kent glasses and had Blackhawks teammate Marian Hossa tie a Superman cape around his neck. Later, Kane used a mock puck which split in two when he took a slap shot.

"I think it was fun. That's what these events are for, to be creative," Stamkos said. "Patrick Kane has a pretty creative personality, and we saw that tonight. … Obviously, if you're going to do something like that, this is the event to do it, and the crowd seemed to like it."

Stamkos was part of a winning relay team as well but was last in accuracy shooting.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: Commissioner Gary Bettman said he's hopeful that a deal can be reached with one of three prospective buyers to keep the league-controlled Coyotes in Glendale, Ariz. He said the price was not holding up the sale. … Columbus was named the host for the 2013 All-Star Game. It will be the first time Ohio hosts the game.

Bulls work hard, fall short

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Times wires
Saturday, January 28, 2012

HARTFORD, Conn. — USF stayed with the No. 3 team in the nation for more than a half Saturday before falling 77-62 at Connecticut, becoming the 97th consecutive visitor to leave the Huskies home floor with a loss.

Caitlin Rowe scored 20, including four 3-pointers, for the Bulls (12-10, 4-4 Big East) and Inga Orekhova hit five 3's. Jasmine Wynne added 13 points for USF, which trailed just 38-37 two minutes into the second half.

"We feel like we can play with any team in the country," Wynne said. "We wish we could've had the win. There's no such thing as a moral victory, but we came out and played our hardest."

Former Winter Park standout Tiffany Hayes had 33 points and 10 rebounds for UConn (19-2, 8-1). Stefanie Dolson added 22 points and 18 rebounds.

Connecticut used a 17-5 second-half run to take control. A three-point play by Hayes capped the burst and gave the Huskies a 55-42 lead with just less than 12 minutes to play.

"(You) try to avoid the run when it comes," Bulls coach Jose Fernandez said. "The 8-0, the 10-2, the 16-4 runs that turn a three- to four-point game into 20. I thought we always stayed within striking distance. We avoided that run, that knockout punch."

UConn outrebounded USF 53-28, had 20 offensive boards and outscored the Bulls 32-16 in the paint.

"The difference in the game was the points in the paint and how well UConn rebounded," Fernandez said. "They absolutely exposed us on the glass."

Hayes has 68 points in the past two games, the most ever by a Husky in back-to-back contests.

ECKERD 72, FLA. TECH 70, OT: Kati Rausberg hit a go-ahead jumper with two minutes left in overtime for the host Tritons (11-6, 5-4 Sunshine State), who rallied from a 10-point deficit.

TAMPA 58, LYNN 47: Illyssa Vivo had 24 points to lead the host Spartans (9-10, 2-7 SSC).

Top 25

NO. 1 BAYLOR 74, KANSAS 46: Brittney Griner had 28 points, seven rebounds and five blocks to give her 506 for her career and move her into second place in NCAA history, leading the host Bears (21-0, 8-0 Big 12).

NO. 2 NOTRE DAME 71, ST. JOHN'S 56: Skylar Diggins had 24 points for the visiting Fighting Irish (21-1, 8-0 Big East), who won their 18th straight game.

NO. 4 STANFORD 74, CAL 71, OT: Chiney Ogwumike scored three of her career-high 27 in overtime to help the host Cardinal (18-1, 9-0) wrap up a perfect first half of the Pac-12 season.

NO. 12 GREEN BAY 65, VALPARAISO 37: Julie Wojta scored 14 of her 19 in the first half for the visiting Phoenix (19-0, 9-0 Horizon).

IOWA 59, NO. 13 PURDUE 42: Kamille Wahlin scored all 13 of her points in the second half as the host Hawkeyes snapped an 11-game winning streak by the Boilermakers (18-4, 8-1 Big Ten).

NO. 16 LOUISVILLE 62, VILLANOVA 58: Asia Taylor scored 12 of her season-high 14 in the second half for the host Cardinals (17-4, 6-2 Big East).

NO. 21 TEXAS TECH 75, TEXAS 71: Jordan Barncastle had 19 points, including a key three-point play with 24 seconds left, to help the host Raiders (15-5, 3-5 Big 12) end a five-game skid.

NO. 22 GONZAGA 75, SAINT MARY'S (CALIF.) 70: Taelor Karr made a go-ahead 3-pointer with two minutes left then added three free throws in the final 31 seconds for the visiting Bulldogs (19-3, 8-1 WCC).

NO. 23 DEPAUL 71, SETON HALL 59: Jasmine Penny had 19 points, and the visiting Blue Demons (16-6, 4-4 Big East) avoided their first four-game losing streak since the 2003-04 season.

NO. 23 BYU 74, SANTA CLARA 64: Kristen Riley had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the visiting Cougars (20-3, 9-1 WCC).

Late surge carries No. 14 Florida Gators to 69-57 win over No. 17 Mississippi State Bulldogs

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 28, 2012

GAINESVILLE — As he prepared to face Florida on Saturday, Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury knew he had to account for Florida guards Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker. And he was well aware of the inside challenge of center Patric Young.

But by the end of Saturday afternoon's game, it was junior forward Erik Murphy who had Stansbury raving.

Murphy was 4-of-7 from 3-point range (14 points), including key shots at critical times in the game, as No. 14 Florida put together a strong late run to defeat No. 17 Mississippi State 69-57 in front of 12,045 at the O'Connell Center.

Murphy has scored in double figures in nine of his past 12 games.

"The difference, and I told (Florida coach) Billy (Donovan) this after the game: Everybody knows Walker and Boynton, and I think we did as good a job as you can do on them," Stansbury said.

"But the guy to me that's the difference in their basketball team is Murphy. He's the one guy that's difficult to defend. He stretches you out. He's that fourth guy out there who can really shoot the basketball. He stepped up there (Saturday) in huge situations and made shots for them."

Florida (17-4, 5-1 SEC) led by seven late in the first half, but the Bulldogs (17-5, 4-3) pulled to within 30-27 at halftime. Leading by two, Florida outscored Mississippi State 7-1, led by Young, whose monster dunk off a rebound ignited the crowd and the Gators.

Young struggled in the first half against Bulldogs 6-foot-10, 285-pound center Renardo Sidney, but his adjustments in the second half were critical for the Gators.

"The ball was right there, and I just threw it down (for the key dunk)," said Young, who scored 10 of his 12 in the second half. "I just got really excited when I threw that down. I've been waiting for a tip-dunk all year, and there it is."

The Gators led 51-44 with 8:17 remaining, then went on an 11-0 run to seal the win. Mississippi State went 4:37 without a field goal down the stretch.

Boynton was held to two points, only the second time this season he finished in single digits, and Walker added 10 on 4 of 10 shooting. But the two combined for nine assists and zero turnovers. Florida freshman Bradley Beal scored a game-high 19.

"I was really proud of Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton," Donovan said. "Collectively, all of them did a lot of different things to affect the outcome of the game."

Florida was outrebounded by the Bulldogs 34-26 but forced Mississippi State into 14 turnovers (to Florida's five) and outscored it 28-14 in the paint.

"Like I told my guys, let's give Florida some credit," Stansbury said. "They had a lot to do with why we weren't at our best."

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


Cyclones star to sleep well

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Times wires
Saturday, January 28, 2012

Towson ends record skid

TOWSON, Md. — Erique Gumbs learned a valuable lesson last week after Towson coach Pat Skerry tried to inspire his team that had lost an NCAA-record 41 straight, showing it Muhammad Ali's famous "rope-a-dope" match against George Foreman.

"It just showed that you can take a lot of hits, but you definitely get your turn to swing back," said Gumbs, a sophomore forward, who scored 11 in Towson's 66-61 win over UNC Wilmington on Saturday. "We may get beat down, but we always knew that we had the ability to fight. We finally got to throw our punch (Saturday)."

The Tigers (1-22, 1-10 CAA) had lost in 10 states during their losing streak and had not scored more than 62 in any game this season.

AMES, Iowa — Royce White has been so bad from the free-throw line lately that his struggles have literally turned into nightmares.

A few hours after waking up from a dream in which he couldn't hit anything from the line, White sank the two biggest freebies of his career to give Iowa State a landmark win for coach Fred Hoiberg.

White had 18 points and nine rebounds as the Cyclones upset fifth-ranked Kansas 72-64 on Saturday, snapping the Jayhawks' winning streak at 10 games.

White, a versatile big man who entered shooting 39 percent from the line in Big 12 games, hit two that rattled in to put Iowa State up 64-59 with 1:47 left.

Kansas then threw the ball away, and Chris Babb sank a backbreaking 3-pointer to give the Cyclones an eight-point lead with 55.6 seconds left.

"I woke up (Saturday) morning dreaming about missing free throws. So I was in the gym this morning and shot free throws trying to get it right," White said. "Teammates keep encouraging me and telling me, 'You can make free throws.' "

Tyshawn Taylor led five players in double figures with 16 points and 10 assists for Kansas (17-4, 7-1 Big 12), which hadn't lost since Dec. 19 against Davidson.

Big 12 player of the year favorite Thomas Robinson had 13 points, but he committed five turnovers, and the Jayhawks were outrebounded 36-23.

"I thought we got stops, but I didn't think we cleaned up," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "How many times did they miss a shot and the ball go off of us and us not secure or whatever?" Obviously, we didn't do a good last three minutes defensively at all."

Melvin Ejim had 15 points and Scott Christopherson 14 for the Cyclones (15-6, 5-3), who had lost 13 straight to Kansas since 2005.

NO. 1 KENTUCKY 74, LSU 50: Terrence Jones highlighted a 27-point performance with a 13-0 run on his own, and the visiting Wildcats (21-1, 7-0 SEC) pulled away in the second half.

NO. 2 MISSOURI 63, TEXAS TECH 50: Kim English scored 19 in the first half and Marcus Denmon 13 in the second as the host Tigers (19-2, 6-2 Big 12) had just enough to avoid a second straight upset loss.

NO. 3 SYRACUSE 63, W. VA. 61: Brandon Triche had 18 points, including two free throws that broke the final tie with 1:28 left for the host Orange (22-1, 9-1 Big East). Coach Jim Boeheim has 878 wins, one shy of tying North Carolina's Dean Smith for third in Division I.

NO. 6 BAYLOR 76, TEXAS 71: Perry Jones III had 22 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, Pierre Jackson hit the go-ahead 3 and the host Bears (19-2, 6-2 Big 12) withstood a second-half rally.

NO. 8 DUKE 83, ST. JOHN'S 76: Mason Plumlee had 15 points and a career-high 17 rebounds for the host Blue Devils (18-3), who led by 22 with 17 minutes left but shot 30 percent in the second half.

PITT 72, NO. 9 G'TOWN 60: Nasir Robinson scored 23 and hit all nine of his shots from the field for the host Panthers, who never trailed and routed the Hoyas (16-4, 6-3 Big East).

NO. 11 MURRAY ST. 73, E. ILLINOIS 58: Donte Poole and Isaiah Canaan scored 18 each as the host Racers (21-0, 9-0 OVC) remained the only unbeaten team in Division I.

NO. 12 UNLV 65, AIR FORCE 63, OT: Chace Stanback stole a Todd Fletcher pass with two seconds left in overtime to help the visiting Rebels (20-3, 4-1 Mountain West) escape.

COLO. ST. 77, NO. 13 SAN DIEGO ST. 60: Wes Eikmeier had 19 points and Will Bell 17 to help the Rams past the Aztecs (18-3, 4-1 Mountain West) for their first home win over a ranked team in more than eight years.

NO. 15 CREIGHTON 73, BRADLEY 59: Doug McDermott had 24 points, and the host Bluejays (20-2, 9-1 MVC) turned back two comeback attempts before a school-record crowd of 18,436.

NO. 17 MARQUETTE 82, VILLANOVA 78: Darius Johnson-Odom scored 26 to help the visiting Golden Eagles (18-4, 7-2 Big East) rally from an 18-point deficit and win their sixth straight game.

NO. 19 UVA 61, N.C. STATE 60: Mike Scott scored 18 for the visiting Cavaliers (17-3, 4-2 ACC), who shot 60 percent in the first half to take the lead, then turned away a second-half rally.

NO. 21 SAINT MARY'S (CALIF.) 80, BYU 66: Brad Waldow scored 19 and Clint Steindl 16 off the bench to lead the visiting Gaels (21-3, 10-0 West Coast). Randy Bennett coached the game for Saint Mary's with a broken left thumb. After Thursday's win at Loyola Marymount, Bennett opened the locker room door and a white board fell on his thumb.

OKLAHOMA 63, NO. 22 KANSAS ST. 60: Steven Pledger had 30 points, and the visiting Sooners weathered a second-half charge by the Wildcats (15-5, 4-4 Big 12) and some tense moments late to give coach Lon Kruger a victory over his former team.

NO. 24 UCONN: Guard Ryan Boatright was cleared to return to action after a second NCAA investigation this season into his eligibility.

State

SO. MISS 78, UCF 65: Neil Watson scored 23 and Darnell Dodson 22 as the Golden Eagles ended a 16-game home winning streak of the Knights (15-6, 5-3 C-USA).

ECKERD 58, FLA. TECH 57: Guard Woody Taylor's floater bounced off the back of the rim twice before falling through for the winning shot with 14.8 seconds left for the host Tritons (13-5, 6-3 Sunshine State).

LYNN 68, TAMPA 59: Former Pasco High standout Josh Garcia had 24 points, and the visiting Fighting Knights held off the Spartans (4-15, 0-9 SSC).

76ers ride Iguodala's triple double

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Saturday, January 28, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — Andre Iguodala celebrated his 28th birthday with the eighth triple double of his career.

He also continued to show that he's worthy of his first All-Star berth in eight NBA seasons.

Iguodala had 10 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his fourth triple double this season and the 76ers won their second straight game, 95-74 over the struggling Pistons on Saturday night.

Iguodala, who was playing in front of his mother and a number of friends, received an ovation from the crowd when he secured his triple double with a defensive rebound with 7:34 remaining.

"To me, winning is the most important thing," Iguodala said. "As long as we are continuing to win, that's most important. Stats are nice, and I'm happy to get the triple double, but I'm most pleased that we got another win."

The 76ers improved to 14-6 and 10-2 at home. They are 3-1 on this seven-game homestand, which gets markedly tougher this week with visits from the Magic on Monday, the Bulls on Wednesday and the Heat on Friday.

"'Dre is such an unselfish guy on offense," 76ers coach Doug Collins said. "Sometimes I have to go to him and say, 'I really need you to shoot the ball.' "

Howard miffed at Magic teammates

Magic center Dwight Howard, frustrated with his teammates' play in a 93-67 loss to the Hornets on Friday, had pointed words for them during and after Orlando's third loss in four games.

"Looked like guys didn't want to play," Howard said. "I told them at halftime, 'If you don't want to play, just stay in the locker room.' It doesn't make sense for a team we should beat to just demolish us."

"You bring everything down," Howard added, referring to a player who apparently isn't playing hard enough.

"It hurts me to get out there and play your hardest. I expect everybody to play the same. I'm not calling anybody out by no means, because we all have to get better … but if you don't want to be out there, don't dress up."

Game highlights: JaVale McGee scored 22 and had 10 rebounds as the Wizards defeated the host Bobcats for the second time in a week, 102-99. Matt Carroll's 3-point attempt at the buzzer fell short. … Chase Budinger scored 19 and the host Rockets beat the Knicks 97-84 for their ninth win in 10 games.

Around the league: Bucks forward Stephen Jackson was suspended for one game by the NBA for verbal abuse of a game official and failure to leave the court in a timely manner Friday against the Bulls.

76ers 95, Pistons 74

DETROIT (74): Prince 3-9 0-2 6, Wallace 0-0 0-0 0, Monroe 6-19 4-4 16, Knight 4-17 0-0 9, Stuckey 3-9 5-5 11, Jerebko 0-2 2-2 2, Russell Jr. 1-8 0-0 3, Daye 5-8 1-2 12, Maxiell 4-7 1-2 9, Wilkins 1-2 0-0 2, Macklin 2-2 0-0 4. Totals 29-83 13-17 74.

PHILADELPHIA (95): Iguodala 4-7 1-2 10, Brand 6-11 2-2 14, Battie 0-1 0-0 0, Holiday 5-10 2-3 13, Meeks 4-8 0-0 12, Allen 3-6 1-1 7, Williams 5-12 4-5 17, Young 4-11 0-0 8, Turner 6-8 0-2 12, Elson 1-1 0-0 2, Brackins 0-1 0-0 0, Nocioni 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 38-78 10-15 95.

Detroit 14 17 22 21— 74

Philadelphia 24 18 27 26— 95

3-Point GoalsDetroit 3-11 (Daye 1-2, Russell Jr. 1-3, Knight 1-4, Prince 0-1, Jerebko 0-1), Philadelphia 9-15 (Meeks 4-6, Williams 3-4, Holiday 1-2, Iguodala 1-2, Nocioni 0-1). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsDetroit 54 (Monroe 10), Philadelphia 49 (Iguodala 10). AssistsDetroit 18 (Russell Jr. 5), Philadelphia 27 (Iguodala 10). Total FoulsDetroit 11, Philadelphia 18. TechnicalsMonroe, Philadelphia defensive three second. A18,710 (20,318).

Wizards 102, Bobcats 99

WASHINGTON (102): Lewis 3-7 2-2 10, Vesely 1-4 0-1 2, McGee 9-14 4-8 22, Wall 5-12 2-2 13, Young 9-15 2-2 21, Booker 6-6 4-4 16, Blatche 2-5 0-0 4, Singleton 0-0 0-0 0, Mack 1-1 0-0 2, Crawford 4-12 2-2 12, Seraphin 0-0 0-0 0, Mason 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 40-76 16-21 102.

CHARLOTTE (99): Thomas 6-12 1-2 13, Diaw 7-11 6-10 21, Diop 0-4 1-4 1, Walker 8-18 2-4 20, Carroll 4-13 4-5 13, Mullens 10-17 3-4 23, Biyombo 1-1 0-0 2, Brown 2-4 0-0 4, Higgins 1-3 0-0 2. Totals 39-83 17-29 99.

Washington 26 32 25 19— 102

Charlotte 26 22 30 21— 99

3-Point GoalsWashington 6-11 (Lewis 2-3, Crawford 2-5, Wall 1-1, Young 1-2), Charlotte 4-11 (Walker 2-4, Diaw 1-2, Carroll 1-3, Mullens 0-1, Brown 0-1). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsWashington 39 (McGee 10), Charlotte 58 (Thomas, Walker 10). AssistsWashington 26 (Wall 10), Charlotte 31 (Walker 11). Total FoulsWashington 24, Charlotte 15. TechnicalsBooker, Mullens. A17,761.

Rockets 97, Knicks 84

NEW YORK (84): Walker 2-9 0-0 5, Stoudemire 10-20 3-4 23, Chandler 5-7 4-5 14, Douglas 3-13 0-0 7, Fields 0-2 0-0 0, Novak 1-5 0-0 3, Shumpert 5-13 1-2 11, Jeffries 2-3 0-0 5, Bibby 0-3 0-0 0, Lin 3-9 3-4 9, Balkman 1-3 0-0 3, Jordan 2-2 0-0 4. Totals 34-89 11-15 84.

HOUSTON (97): Parsons 0-4 0-0 0, Scola 6-13 0-0 12, Dalembert 3-6 1-2 7, Lowry 1-6 1-2 3, Lee 6-12 1-1 14, Hill 6-7 2-2 14, Budinger 7-12 3-3 19, Dragic 6-8 3-4 16, Patterson 3-7 0-0 6, Flynn 0-1 2-2 2, Thabeet 0-0 0-0 0, Adrien 0-1 4-6 4, Williams 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 38-77 17-22 97.

New York 21 25 14 24— 84

Houston 20 33 22 22— 97

3-Point GoalsNew York 5-26 (Jeffries 1-1, Balkman 1-3, Novak 1-4, Douglas 1-5, Walker 1-7, Fields 0-1, Lin 0-1, Shumpert 0-2, Bibby 0-2), Houston 4-12 (Budinger 2-4, Lee 1-2, Dragic 1-2, Parsons 0-1, Lowry 0-3). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsNew York 46 (Chandler 11), Houston 57 (Dalembert 14). AssistsNew York 17 (Lin 6), Houston 19 (Dragic 5). Total FoulsNew York 16, Houston 20. TechnicalsChandler. A18,051.

Information from the Orlando Sentinel was used in this report.

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Sunday, January 29, 2012

Figure skating

Wagner earns U.S. championship

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Ashley Wagner rallied to win her first U.S. women's title on Saturday. Third after the short program, she did enough in her long program to win despite missing slightly on a triple salchow and a triple flip. Then she got help.

Agnes Zawadzi, who won the short program, fell twice and brushed up against the boards on a another jump. And two-time champion Alissa Czisny put her hand on the ice after one jump and fell on another. Wagner finished with 187.02 points, 7.02 more than Czisny. Zawadzki was third.

Ice dance: Meryl Davis and Charlie White won their fourth consecutive U.S. title. They finished with 191.54 points, beating siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani by 12.7 points. Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohu were third. Davis and White were so dominant, their free dance score, 114.65 points, was higher than three couples' total score.

European championship: Russia's Evgeni Plushenko did a quadruple jump on his way to winning his seventh title in Sheffield, England. Compatriot Artur Gachinski, the short program winner, was second, 14.96 behind. Italy's Carolina Kostner, who led after the short program, won her fourth title. She finished with 183.55 points, 24.61 more than Finland's Kiira Korpi.

Baseball

Oswalt reportedly heading to Cardinals

RHP Roy Oswalt will sign with the Cardinals, ESPN.com reported. "These are just rumors and nothing more," Cardinals GM John Mozeliak wrote in an email to ESPN.com, Back problems have plagued Oswalt, 34, for the past several seasons. He did make 23 starts for the Phillies last season, going 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA.

Hall of Famer falls: Ex-Orioles star 3B Brooks Robinson broke his collarbone in a fall Friday in Hollywood, Fla. Robinson, 74, was at a dinner for the Joe DiMaggio Legends game. He leaned back in his chair, expecting to hit a wall. But he fell 6 to 8 feet. "I understand he is doing fine," said Kevin Janser of the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation. "But I really don't know any more details."

Et cetera

Greyhounds: Meacham Field of Red Oak Racing won his first stakes, the $10,000 Matinee Idol at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg. He ran 550 yards in 30.65 seconds. Hwj Isabelle was second.

horses: Mucho Macho Man won the $400,000 Florida Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, beating Ron the Greek by 11/2 lengths. Ridden by Ramon Dominguez and trained by Kathy Ritvo, Mucho Macho Man ran 11/8 miles in 1:47.91.

Skiing: Lindsey Vonn won her eighth World Cup downhill of the season in St. Moritz, Switzerland. The American finished two runs in 1 minute, 43.65 seconds, 1.57 seconds faster than Germany's Maria Hoefl-Riesch. Vonn extended her lead in the overall and downhill standings.

Times wires, Don Jensen, Times correspondent

Some suggestions from respondents to Tampa Bay Times' recruiting survey

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, January 29, 2012

USF Bulls beat Providence Friars 81-78 to remain in third place in Big East

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, January 29, 2012

TAMPA — Halfway through the Big East season, USF is still getting used to the idea of having conference games it is supposed to win. But the Bulls continue to consistently come through in such games, as in Sunday's 81-78 victory against Providence at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

The Bulls (13-9, 6-3 Big East) used a 16-1 run in the second half — including eight points by freshman point guard Anthony Collins — to take control, then went 7-of-10 at the free-throw line in the final minute to pull out a key home win before an announced crowd of 4,333.

"It's motivation to keep working hard," said forward Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, the former King High standout who went 3-of-4 on 3-pointers off the bench in the final nine minutes.

"For a school like us that's never been at the top of the Big East at this time of year, we can really use that as a motivation."

USF is tied for third in the Big East a year after going 3-15 in conference play. It won Sunday with a balanced effort, with Hugh Robertson getting a season-high 15 points as one of five Bulls in double figures. Collins had 15 to go with six assists, and USF committed just five turnovers as a team after having 22 in a loss at Marquette on Tuesday.

"I don't think we played great," said coach Stan Heath, whose team is 11-1 at home this season. "Normally our defense has been our staple, but our offense kicked in. … I thought some guys stepped up at some key, key moments."

Providence (12-10, 1-8), which lost its 20th straight Big East road game spanning more than two years, got 24 first-half points from freshman LaDontae Henton. He finished with 33, the most by a USF opponent since Notre Dame's Luke Harangody had 36 in a January 2010 game.

Some of USF's second-half spark came from Collins, who was 1-for-4 on 3-pointers all season coming in but hit a pair in a span of three minutes to give the Bulls an eight-point lead.

"He seems to be a guy that, when you need a big basket, he knocks it down," Heath said.

"That was a key moment. We've been encouraging him to take that shot. He's a much better shooter than he gives himself credit for. I know it's an awkward-looking shot, but he can make that shot. The more he does that, the more people have to guard him and the more he can get into the paint and create havoc."

Providence trailed by eight with 36 seconds to play but made things interesting, thanks in part to USF fouling the Friars twice on 3-pointers in the final 21 seconds.

Up two with 4.8 seconds left, USF's Victor Rudd, who had gone 5-for-5 at the line in the final minute, missed his second shot, but Providence not only let Fitzpatrick grab the loose rebound but inexplicably opted not to foul the 62 percent free-throw shooter as the final seconds ran off the clock.

"All I can do is coach. You can only put them out there," coach Ed Cooley said. "You can bring them to the race, you can't ask them to win every day. I don't know why."

USF has a tough challenge ahead, playing at No. 9 Georgetown on Saturday before returning home to face Pittsburgh on Feb. 8.

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