Times wires
Monday, October 29, 2012

ARCADIA, Calif. — Game On Dude was made the early 9-5 favorite in a field of 12 for Saturday's $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic, a race he led most of the way last year before being overtaken in the closing strides. He'll have home-track advantage at Santa Anita, where the 5-year-old gelding is 5-0.

He will try to deliver a first Classic win for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who holds a strong hand heading into the two-day, $25 million world championships. Baffert was second twice, including last year.

"He's a better horse this year," Baffert said Monday, when Game On Dude drew the No. 5 post for the 11/4-mile Classic. "He seems more relaxed. He's getting better with age."

Baffert has two shots at the $2 million Juvenile — Power Broker and Title Contender. They face stiff competition in undefeated Shanghai Bobby, the 2-1 favorite trained by Todd Pletcher. The Juvenile winner is typically tagged as the winter favorite for the Kentucky Derby.

Shanghai Bobby was one of nine New York-based horses arriving early because of Hurricane Sandy bearing down.

Flat Out and Whitney winner Fort Larned were the 5-1 second choices in the Classic.

Other notable favorites:

• Royal Delta, 9-5 in the Ladies' Classic;

• Atigun, 9-2 in the 13/4-mile Marathon;

• Point of Entry, in the 11/2-mile Turf;

• Wise Dan, 9-5 in the Mile.

The event opens Friday with six races. Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino owns South Floyd, No. 4 in the seven-horse $500,000 Juvenile Sprint. Saints quarterback Drew Brees co-owns Worth Repeating in the $500,000 Marathon.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Monday, October 29, 2012

USF senior Maikon Bonani, who set a school record with five field goals in Saturday's 37-36 loss to Syracuse, on Monday was named Big East special teams player of the week.

Bonani, whose kicks included a season-long 47-yarder, had the most points (18) by a Big East kicker in a game this season. His 5-for-5 effort came after he had gone 6-for-8 on field goals over the first seven games. His previous career high had been three field goals, accomplished seven times in his four years as the Bulls' kicker.

NO-SHOWS: The announced attendance Saturday, based on tickets distributed, was 38,562, but the actual turnstile attendance for USF's annual homecoming game was 23,833, according to the Tampa Sports Authority. That suggests that nearly 40 percent of the tickets distributed weren't used at the game.

LEAVING EARLY: USF coach Skip Holtz has taken great pride in the way his players have battled to the final second during a six-game losing streak, so he was disappointed to find out Monday that a few Bulls left the field before Saturday's final play, a kickoff with three seconds left.

"It bothers me, very much so," Holtz said Monday on the Big East's weekly teleconference. "We're playing this game, we all want to win, but we've all talked about having character and dignity and doing this thing the right way as well. … You have to have some class and dignity, not only when you lose but when you win as well. I think some of these lessons are hard lessons."

UM: Smoke signals

CORAL GABLES — The moment is almost trademarked by the University of Miami.

Running from locker room and through the smoke is an indelible image dating to the glory years at the Orange Bowl. But there was a twist to the tradition before the Oct. 20 loss to Florida State.

The run became a walk. The adrenaline explosion gave way to a touch of symbolism. The team strolled arm-in-arm as the white cloud rose from the inflated helmet.

"We did that because we wanted to show we were together as one unit," junior DE Shayon Green said. "Things were just different for that. It brought us closer together as one."

Junior CB Kacy Rodgers II said the change was a group decision.

"It came from the top down," he said. "Some of the older guys pitched in and some of the younger guys pitched in collectively as a team and we decided to do it."

Green said they'll "more than likely" do it again before the 7:30 p.m. Thursday game with Virginia Tech. The smoke tradition began in the 1950s, according to the official UM website, and became synonymous with the 'Canes as the program rose into a national power in the '80s.

Sun-Sentinel

FSU: Goals in sight

TALLAHASSEE — Although ninth-ranked Florida State is likely out of the national title picture, the Seminoles head into their bye week with most of their preseason goals at hand if they can avoid being upset a second time.

FSU likely lost its chance at getting to the BCS championship game when it blew a 16-point halftime lead at North Carolina State this month. But the Seminoles have rebounded with three ACC straight wins, outscoring their opponents 132-34 in those games.

And thanks to North Carolina's win last weekend over North Carolina State, the Seminoles have been handed a second chance at winning the ACC championship and a BCS trip to the Orange Bowl, albeit most likely on New Year's Day.

"Now that we're back on that pedestal, we have to take advantage of it," junior S Lamarcus Joyner said. "We need this to get our minds right and come back together and play what's out there for us."

Associated Press

Times wires
Monday, October 29, 2012

GOLF

WOODS LOOKS TO MORE MATCHES VS. MCILROY

Rory McIlroyTiger Woods

Roger FedererRafael NadalNovak DjokovicAndy Murray

SCHEDULE:See full schedule, For The Record, 2C

Mark ClattenburgJohn Obi MikelAnton Ferdinand

MESSI AWARD:Lionel Messi

Kim ClijstersVenus Williams

DJOKOVIC CLINCHES:Novak DjokovicRoger Federer

PARIS MASTERS:Julien BenneteauGilles SimonBenoit Paire

AUTOS:Shane WilsonDrew BlickensderferJeff BurtonTony George

CYCLING:Steven de Jongh

Times wires
Monday, October 29, 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he's "not concerned" about his job security following Carolina's latest fourth-quarter collapse.

The Panthers blew a 12-point lead Sunday at Chicago and lost 23-22 on a last-second field goal by Robbie Gould. It marked the fourth straight game Carolina lost after leading in the fourth.

"At the end of the day I'm being evaluated," Rivera said. "But right now, it's not something I can be concerned with. If you start to worrying (about your job) and playing for the wrong reasons you're not going to give yourself a chance. When the moment comes or the time comes to be concerned, or not be concerned, then I'll go from there."

As for where the Panthers go from here is anyone's guess.

At 1-6 talk has shifted from waning playoff hopes to chances of landing the No. 1 pick in next year's draft and unloading players via trade. And there has already been change for Carolina: general manager Marty Hurney was fired last week.

BILLS STAR ON MEND: Bills defensive end Mario Williams was in an upbeat mood six days after arthroscopic surgery on his sprained left wrist. "(After) this procedure, it's definitely given me a lot of hope and a different mind-set," he said. The league's highest-paid defensive player said he'd play Sunday against his former team, the Texans.

BRONCOS: Linebacker Joe Mays is out for the season with a broken left fibula, suffered Sunday against the Saints.

CHARGERS: Receiver/returner Richard Goodman (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve.

CHIEFS: Quarterback Brady Quinn was being evaluated for a possible concussion and his status for Thursday night's game at San Diego won't be known until later in the week. Coach Romeo Crennel said Quinn will start if he's cleared. Otherwise, Matt Cassel will start.

COLTS: Coach Chuck Pagano attended a short staff meeting, his first time at the team's complex since being diagnosed with a form of leukemia Sept. 26.

DOLPHINS: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill's injuries, sustained against the Jets, were not serious but he was not certain to be available Sunday at Indianapolis, the Miami Herald reported.

EAGLES: AP reported that Michael Vick will keep his job as starting quarterback despite a slow start this season.

JETS: Coach Rex Ryan again stood by Mark Sanchez despite the quarterback's struggles in an ugly 30-9 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday that left fans chanting for Tim Tebow. "I think Mark's our guy," Ryan said. "I don't think there's any doubt about that."

TITANS: Quarterback Jake Locker (shoulder) will miss another week, so Matt Hasselbeck will remain the starter.

Times wires
Monday, October 29, 2012

GLENDALE, Ariz. — On an almost perfect Monday night for Alex Smith, the 49ers flexed their NFC West dominance with a 24-3 flattening of the Cardinals.

Smith completed 18 of 19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns — two to Michael Crabtree and one to Randy Moss — to help San Francisco open a two-game lead in the division and send Arizona to its fourth straight loss after a 4-0 start.

Smith's only incompletion was dropped by an open receiver.

Smith was 14 of 15 for 146 yards and two touchdowns, both to Crabtree, as the 49ers built a 17-0 halftime lead. In the third quarter Moss caught a 47-yard TD, dodging tacklers down the sideline on a play that seemed to turn back the clock to the receiver's prime. He tied Terrell Owens for fourth on the NFL career touchdown list with his 156th.

Smith, who tied a career high with the three touchdown passes, spread out his completions to 10 receivers. Crabtree led the way with five catches for 72 yards.

Arizona's defense, which is supposed to be the team's strength, missed tackle after tackle in an embarrassing nationally televised performance at home. The Cardinals allowed their most points this season.

Led by Smith's near-perfect precision passing, the 49ers methodically dominated from the start. The San Francisco quarterback had the best completion percentage of his career, and would have been perfect had Delanie Walker not dropped the ball when he was wide open on a crossing route in the first half.

The Cardinals averted a shutout with former Tampa Jesuit kicker Jay Feely's 28-yard field goal. They were stuffed on their final drive just short of the goal line in the final minute.

John Skelton, making his second start since Kevin Kolb went down with rib injuries, completed 32 of 52 passes for 290 yards. The Cardinals rushed for just 7 yards in nine attempts; the 49ers ran for 113 yards.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sustained another major injury blow today when All-Pro guard Carl Nicks was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Nicks had been dealing with a toe injury that had severely limited his ability to practice in recent weeks but had not kept him out of any game action. He said in recent weeks that he anticipated the injury lingering through the season, but it wasn't thought to be season-ending until now.

It's likely Nicks' injury worsened in the team's win at Minnesota Thursday night, in which he played well. According to the Bucs, Nicks needs surgery to repair a torn plantar plate in his left toe.

The Bucs have seen a projected stout offensive line fall apart. Davin Joseph, the team's longtime starter at right guard and a two-time Pro Bowl selection, was lost for the season with a knee injury in a preseason game. Then, right tackle Jeremy Trueblood's underperformance caused a lineup change, the Bucs replacing him with Demar Dotson.

Nicks was a member of the team's celebrated class of free agents this offseason, signing a 5-year, $47.5 million contract in March.

Also today, the Bucs placed rookie tight end Danny Noble on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. They also promoted guard Roger Allen from the practice squad to the active roster to provide depth on the offensive line.

As for replacing Nicks, the Bucs will have to consider their options. Ted Larsen, the recently-benched right guard, is an option, as is Jeremy Trueblood – who the Bucs also considered as an option to replace Larsen. The Bucs could also consider Cody Wallace, one of their backup interior linemen.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Throughout the summer and preseason, much of the talk about SEC expansion focused on Missouri. With its unique spread offense, the Tigers and coach Gary Pinkel were the team many expected to catch the league off guard and prove that maybe there wasn't so much difference between the Big 12 and the SEC afterall.

At SEC Media Days in July, Pinkel seemed annoyed that so many questions were about whether the Tigers could hold their own in the SEC. The Missouri players promised to prove doubters wrong. And leading into the conference-opener against Georgia, a Missouri player said the Bulldogs played "old man football", suggesting the Tigers' offense was a more modern, exciting brand.

But so far, it has been rough going for Mizzou in their new conference. Missouri is 4-4 overall and has won just one of its five SEC games.

That victory came last week against Kentucky (1-8), and caused such jubilation that Missouri's official online apparel store is selling T-shirts to commemorate the occasion — with the Tigers logo atop the words "Caged the Cats" — complete with the score and date.

While fans from other SEC schools scoff, the Tigers are hoping there are more wins to come. Mizzou enters Saturday's game against No. 8 Florida feeling like the team once deserving of those preseason expectations.

"Confidence levels are up," junior defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson said. "We are just out here trying to get another win. We want more than one win in the SEC, so we are trying to get another one."

Missouri is preparing to try for a late-season run similar to 2011. After going 4-4, Mizzou won five of its last six games — including two over ranked opponents. Through it all, Pinkel has remained true to his core values.

"I think the most important thing for our football team to understand is that every bit of our attention should be on (the next) football game, every bit, and beyond that it just doesn't really matter," Pinkel said. "These guys are smart, they know what's going on and they understand what our goals are. I think one thing we do, is that we're real consistent around here. We don't come in here and change things. … We don't put in brand new offenses, we don't change the way we lift weights, we don't change the way we practice — we're very consistent. What we do works. If we coach better and if we play better, then we'll win more and that's just the way it is."

Part of Mizzou's problems stem from the fact it has been decimated by injuries. Quarterback James Franklin (knee) has been injury-prone all season. All five of Mizzou's preseason starters on the O-line have suffered injuries — Justin Britt, Elvis Fisher, Jack Meiners, Mitch Morse and Travis Ruth. Backups Taylor Chappell and Mark Hill are out for the season. Starting linebacker Zaviar Gooden has playing time. Franklin's MCL kept him out of part of the UK game, but he is expected to start against the Gators. Franklin practiced on Tuesday and said he believes he'll be able to run and cut more this week.

"We've had some tough breaks and we haven't played yet to the best of our ability," wide receiver T.J. Moe said.

They'll get another opportunity to do so against the Gators.

"We are playing a very good Florida team," Pinkel said. "Excited about playing in another great place to play college football. We just want to play our best football game. That is what our goal is to be doing, and we are going to work real hard to do it."

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

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Throughout the summer and preseason, much of the talk about SEC expansion focused on Missouri. With a unique spread offense, the Tigers and coach Gary Pinkel were the team many expected to catch the league off guard and prove that maybe there wasn't so much difference between the Big 12 and the SEC after all.

At SEC Media Days in July, Pinkel seemed annoyed that so many questions were about whether the Tigers could hold their own in the SEC. The Missouri players promised to prove doubters wrong. And leading into the conference opener against Georgia, a Missouri player said the Bulldogs played "old man football," suggesting the Tigers offense was a more modern, exciting brand.

But so far, it has been rough going. Missouri is 4-4 overall and has won just one of its five SEC games.

That victory came last week against Kentucky (1-8) and caused such jubilation that Missouri's official online apparel store started selling T-shirts to commemorate the occasion — with the Tigers logo atop the words "Caged the Cats" — complete with the score and date. (Those T-shirts have since been removed from the website.)

While fans from other SEC schools scoff, the Tigers are hoping there are more wins to come. Mizzou enters Saturday's game at No. 8 Florida feeling like the team once deserving of those preseason expectations.

"Confidence levels are up," junior defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson said. "We are just out here trying to get another win. We want more than one win in the SEC, so we are trying to get another one."

Missouri is preparing to try for a late-season run similar to 2011. After going 4-4, Mizzou won five of its last six games, beating two ranked opponents. Through it all, Pinkel has remained true to his core values.

"I think the most important thing for our football team to understand is that every bit of our attention should be on (the next) football game, every bit, and beyond that it just doesn't really matter," Pinkel said. "These guys are smart, they know what's going on and they understand what our goals are.

"I think one thing we do, is that we're real consistent around here. We don't come in here and change things. … We don't put in brand new offenses, we don't change the way we lift weights, we don't change the way we practice; we're very consistent. What we do works. If we coach better and if we play better, then we'll win more and that's just the way it is."

Mizzou has been decimated by injuries. Quarterback James Franklin (knee) has been injury-prone all season. All five of Mizzou's preseason starters on the O-line have suffered injuries — Justin Britt, Elvis Fisher, Jack Meiners, Mitch Morse and Travis Ruth. Backups Taylor Chappell and Mark Hill are out for the season. Starting linebacker Zaviar Gooden has missed time. Franklin's MCL kept him out of part of the UK game, but he is expected to start against the Gators. He practiced Tuesday and said he believes he'll be able to run and cut more this week.

"We've had some tough breaks and we haven't played yet to the best of our ability," wide receiver T.J. Moe said.

They'll get another opportunity to do so against the Gators.

"We are playing a very good Florida team," Pinkel said. "Excited about playing in another great place to play college football. We just want to play our best football game. That is what our goal is to be doing, and we are going to work real hard to do it."

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

By Bryan Burns, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Ironically, by defeating the Minnesota Stars in a penalty shootout Saturday for the NASL Soccer Bowl championship, the Tampa Bay Rowdies earned a star. Specifically, one to add to the team logo, matching the star won during the original franchise's title run in its inaugural season in 1975.

But Saturday's final was anything but smooth. Here's how the resilient Rowdies persevered to claim a second NASL title just three seasons following the reintroduction of the team in 2010.

Saturday night's unsung hero

M Raphael Cox: A late-season addition, Cox proved his versatility by entering at left back after defender J.P. Rodrigues was forced to the bench in the 36th minute with a strained calf. The Rowdies were already short-handed on the back line because Takuya Yamada, who strained an MCL in Game 2 of the semifinal round, missed both legs of the final. When Rodrigues went down, the Rowdies were out of defenders so Cox, a midfielder by trade, slid back and was surprisingly effective. "Since Day 1, what (Rowdies technical director) Perry (Van Der Beck) and I have looked at is finding smart, experienced players who can fill multiple roles," Rowdies owner and president Andrew Nestor said. "…We don't have huge budgets. We don't have huge rosters so you need these players that can fill in wherever you need it and still have that quality."

Unsung hero, Part 2

D Andres Arango: Arango was in and out of the starting lineup earlier this season, but regained his form by the playoffs and was at his best in Saturday's final. While part of a makeshift defense that gave up only one goal in 120-plus minutes, Arango was dangerous on set pieces, nearly scoring on a powerful header from a corner kick in the 30th minute. Later, Arango headed down a corner toward the near post, which M Keith Savage poked into the net for the Rowdies' second goal.

Deja vu

When Saturday's Soccer Bowl went to a penalty kick shootout, the Rowdies had the clear advantage, and not just because goalkeeper Jeff Attinella was voted the NASL's best. Attinella has had plenty of success in high-pressure shootout situations. While starring at Countryside High, Attinella said his biggest game was a shootout victory. Same in college, where Attinella blocked three PKs against UNC Greensboro to lead USF to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time.

"I guess lady luck's on my side," said Attinella, who credited the Rowdies organization for giving him a detailed breakdown of every penalty kick a Minnesota player had taken in the NASL, a tip sheet that proved invaluable Saturday. Attinella guessed correctly on each of the five penalty shots, saving three.

Energizer bunny

Rowdies captain Frankie Sanfilippo nearly missed the final after spending the previous night battling the flu. Sanfilippo was unable to keep food down Saturday and was at the hospital seven hours before kickoff getting an IV. Coach Ricky Hill had a contingency plan had the veteran defender not be able to play — which Hill ended up using when Rodrigues went down — but Sanfilippo had no thoughts of skipping the final, saying "it didn't really cross my mind. Either way I was playing."

Quick hits

Backup GK Andrew Fontein didn't see one minute of action this season behind Attinella, but his predictive powers were encouraging. Moments before Saturday's final, Fontein told Attinella the Rowdies would tie the aggregate with a 3-1 win and take the title in a penalty shootout.

- The Rowdies sprayed Gatorade, champagne and, according to Hill, "anything else they could find" during the post-game celebration in the locker room.

- F Carl Cort played much of the postseason with a calf injury but still put in a full 120 minutes on Saturday while scoring the all-important first goal.

By the numbers

9: Goals scored this season by F Daniel Antoniuk, the team lead

12: Current unbeaten streak at Al Lang Field

35: Congratulatory texts from friends and family Attinella had on his phone after the game

Quotable

"(Saturday) is a great example of how that Yoshi deal benefitted us. …To have Raphael Cox come in and play left back, to have Carl Cort show up, we don't have those players if we don't make the Yoshi deal. This is a really long season, and you need that depth. And I think that's where a lot of teams in our league fall short is they have a great starting 11, and then you get into that bench and that bench is pretty short." Andrew Nestor on how the transfer of Tsuyoshi Yoshitake, tied for the team lead in goals at the time, to Yokohama FC Hong Kong helped the Rowdies' championship effort in the long run

Title celebration

The Rowdies will hold two events this weekend in St. Petersburg to celebrate their NASL championship. At 8:30 p.m. Friday the team will present the Soccer Bowl trophy during First Friday, on Central Avenue between Second and Third streets. Afterward the team will have a booth where fans can take photos with the trophy. Sunday, the team will have the trophy at Al Lang Stadium from noon to 3 p.m., plus autograph sessions, and fans can select seats for 2013 season tickets.

By Brent Gaskill, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

What's hot: Several days of extremely windy conditions have kept everyone off the water, bringing fishing to a halt. Improving marine forecasts should eventually show lighter wind speeds and milder weather as Hurricane Sandy, which became a post-tropical cyclone late Monday, dissipates in the Northeast.

Getting started: When weather systems pass like what we just experienced, the water becomes stirred up and muddy. Baitfish scatter, and fishing patterns that were consistent over the past few weeks are changed. Fishing now will be like starting all over. Our first trips out will be to assess conditions. Search for clean water in protected areas. Avoid fishing in open exposed water or near the passes because of the dirty water.

Pro tip: Make some noise. Artificial lures are great for searching and finding concentrations of fish. Lures that produce sound will have an advantage, triggering an auditory response from the fish as well as a visual connection. Top-water selections with rattles or the addition of a popping float ahead of soft plastic jigs will generate commotion to gain attention and draw a strike.

Brent Gaskill runs Summer Vacation Charters out of the St. Petersburg area and can be reached at captbrent@summervacationcharters.com and (727)510-1009.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

TAMPA — During a breakout 2011-12 season that included the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament wins, here are four words you didn't hear about USF men's basketball: Stan Heath's uptempo offense.

The Bulls were many things last spring — defensive grinders, for sure — but high-scoring? USF averaged 59 points, lowest in the Big East, but used the stingiest defense in Big East history to collect 22 wins and earn its first NCAA berth in 20 years.

Point guard phenom Anthony Collins is back as a sophomore, but an influx of solid perimeter scorers and a lack of true centers will have Heath more likely to push the ball, utilizing speed and offering a more entertaining brand of basketball.

"We had a nice formula for success last year. Now we have to tweak it," Heath said Tuesday, eager for Monday's exhibition opener against Division II Eckerd. "We don't have a choice. We have to play more of a speed game. That's how our team is built. It's going to be different, but we still have to guard. I think our scores will be up higher."

The combined buzz between the NCAA success and a renovated Sun Dome has helped season-ticket sales: The Sun Dome's lower bowl is sold out, with 2,093 season tickets sold, up 57 percent from this time two years ago, the last season USF played its home games on campus. It's nearly double this time last year, when the Bulls played most home games downtown during the Sun Dome's $35 million makeover.

Heath has been active in trying to fill his new home, hosting an event for football season ticket holders last week and another for area businesses. On Tuesday night, USF's players called ticket holders to thank them.

"The momentum has really helped us in a lot of ways," Heath said. "I'm expecting our students to be a big part of the Sun Dome. If we get our students involved, along with the increased sales, I think we're going to have a nice, exciting Sun Dome to play in."

The Bulls leave the state only once in 12 nonconference games, so a strong start could build momentum and fan interest as USF seeks to validate its 2012 success by staying in the top half of the Big East standings.

HAMMER TIME: Offensive linemen can often live anonymous lives, but not with a name like USF redshirt freshman Thor Jozwiak, who made his first career start at left guard Saturday and helped the Bulls rush for 369 yards in a 37-36 loss.

"My father was a big Thor comic book fan back in the day when they first came out," Jozwiak said. "He always wanted to name his son Thor. My grandmother, his mom, said he couldn't find a woman that would let her son be named Thor. Well he sure did. She was all for it. … Thankfully, I'm kind of a bigger guy."

Jozwiak has impressed coaches both with his strength and his understanding of blocking responsibilities, enough that offensive coordinator Todd Fitch wondered if he will ever leave the starting lineup. He's enjoying the fun that comes with his name, even on Halloween.

"I just go as myself," he explained. "When they ask what you're going as, well, I'm Thor. There's certain things to live up to, but I like it."

THIS AND THAT: USF women's soccer took a big step forward with a penalty-kicks home win Friday against Louisville to advance to this weekend's Big East tournament semifinals at Connecticut. The Bulls (10-5-3) play Georgetown (15-2-2), and goals will be at a premium. The Hoyas allowed a conference-best 11 all season, while USF has given up only 15. … USF men's soccer didn't make the 10-team Big East tournament, but the Bulls' RPI is strong enough they have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament. … Volleyball (13-12) is in ninth place in the Big East standings with three matches to play, but only the top eight teams make the league tournament. The Bulls are a half-game back and finish the regular season at home Nov. 11 against last-place Georgetown.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Think of it as a mushroom cloud rising in the distance. It is a horrible sight, yet you cannot look away. You are aware of the fallout to come, but the sheer power is mesmerizing.

Think of it as a volcano erupting in front of you. The lava spews into the air with massive force, then turns into a boiling river of fire. And the sight is frightening and yet fascinating.

Think of it as a deep, dark crater left by the impact of a fallen meteor. It is deeper than you would have ever thought, and wider than you could ever describe. And even as you peer over the edge, you are hypnotized by the scorched earth below.

This, then, is what the USF football season has started to resemble.

The wreckage is endless, and yet, you cannot help but stare at a season that has driven into the ditch.

By now, the breakdown of the Bulls' season is historic. Has there ever been a team that has collapsed so often in the final minutes of football games? Have so many late-game leads ever turned into so many letdowns?

It defies explanation. The Bulls do not finish. They do not close. They do not shut out the lights. When the game is on the line, they rarely slow anyone down.

Also, they do not win.

In the noisiest of USF seasons, there has been a lot to grumble out. Somewhere, fans are debating the future of coach Skip Holtz. They are wondering why the Bulls are the only team in the NCAA without an interception. They are questioning anything about a team that was rated 95th this week by the Colley Matrix, one of the ranking systems that comprises the BCS standings. They are discussing why USF has only won one of its past 13 Big East games.

Then there is this: Why are the Bulls so awful in the final minutes of the fourth quarter?

For two seasons, it has been like this, a strange, weekly case of deja boo. Every week, it seems, the Bulls are a plucky little team for 58 minutes or so, and every week, they melt away at the sound of the two-minute warning. It is like watching a demolition derby; after a while, the only thing you remember is the twisted wreckage at the end.

These days, fans can see it coming. Admit it: When USF kicked a field goal to go ahead 36-31 against Syracuse last week, how many people automatically did the math and decided the Bulls would end up losing 37-36? These days, the game clock always looks like a time bomb.

This is who they are, and sadly, this is what they do. They self-destruct. They auto-eject. They take your heart and put it into the fruit juicer.

Then they do it again.

And again.

And a lot more agains.

In some ways, this losing streak is as fascinating as it is frustrating. How can the Bulls be good enough to take fourth quarter leads so often and bad enough to always let them get away? Put it this way: If USF had won this many comebacks, it would be the talk of the nation. Instead, it has enabled this many comebacks. Not quite the same thing, is it?

How do you explain this? Is it a lack of talent? Granted, USF could use more talent, but it isn't as if USF changed players after it built a 20-point lead against Syracuse. Is it bad coaching? Bad planning? Bad luck? Depends on who you ask. Is it a lack of confidence? Certainly, that's part of it. Coaches and players can feel trouble coming, too.

Here's what I believe: I think it's a matter of improper construction. These Bulls aren't built for protecting leads. After all, the worse thing the Bulls do is protect the pass, and the second thing is rush the quarterback. Both of those tend to get exposed late in games when teams are forced to throw.

Ah, but it isn't just the pass defense that gets USF beat. Over the last two years, the Bulls have managed to lose a game when they had 369 yards rushing, and one when they had 409 yards passing, and one when they had seven sacks. They have blown two-score leads in the fourth quarter. They have given up winning drives of 70 or more yards to lose four times in the final minutes.

They have botched field goals that would have won. They have wasted their own comebacks. They have lost when the opposition had a field to go with no timeouts left. In all, they have lost nine games under Holtz in games that they had a fourth-quarter lead and four more in which they were tied.

Time and again, they have squandered leads and wasted opportunities and let games slip through their fingers. It has been as painful as a decent book with a terrible final chapter.

And yet, won't you watch again this week? You know, just to see the glow in the distance?

Listen to Gary Shelton weekdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on 98.7-FM the Fan.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

TAMPA — USF's offense will line up Saturday against Connecticut without key players injured in Saturday's loss to Syracuse, with at least three out and others uncertain as the Bulls try to end a six-game losing streak.

Leading rusher Lindsey Lamar was sidelined with a fractured collarbone Saturday, and Tuesday coach Skip Holtz said two more regulars, senior TE Evan Landi (ankle) and junior WR Derrick Hopkins (knee), won't play against the Huskies. Both were on crutches as they watched Tuesday's practice, with Landi wearing a cast on his injured foot.

Starting RG Danous Estenor watched practice with a boot on his injured right ankle and is doubtful, Holtz said, and two more receivers, sophomore Andre Davis (knee) and freshman D'Vario Montgomery (shoulder), did not practice, leaving the Bulls with three healthy scholarship receivers.

"It was a costly game from an injury standpoint," said Holtz, whose team played Saturday without its most experienced offensive lineman, senior G Mark Popek, who had a boot on his injured ankle Tuesday.

The injured players include four of USF's top five in receiving yards. Holtz said that junior DE Ryne Giddins, a former starter, may miss the game with a shoulder injury; backup RB Willie Davis, who missed Saturday's game with a sprained ankle, did not participate in Tuesday's practice.

UM: D tightening

CORAL GABLES — Miami's defense is taking baby steps from the depths of September and early October, when it allowed 41.5 points a game to the first four Division I opponents.

A total of 17 players have started at least one game on defense, and all eight starting lineups have differed. The scoring allowance dipped to 25.5 points in the past two games as new combinations found chemistry.

No group has evolved more than the linebackers. Eddie Johnson wasn't even listed on the preseason depth chart but rose into a top threat on the outside. Denzel Perryman moved back outside before the Florida State game while a healthy Jimmy Gaines moved back to his old job in the middle.

The new setup generated 22 tackles from the three starters, the most all season.

"That was really big, (Gaines) being in the middle and really running the show for us," defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio said. "It allowed us, with the three linebackers that we have and no knock on Jimmy, to put the two guys with the best speed outside."

Michael Casagrande, Sun Sentinel

FSU: Not perfect

TALLAHASSEE — Though he was pleased with the dominant performance his defense turned in Saturday in Florida State's 48-7 win over Duke, coach Jimbo Fisher said the unit could have been better.

Multiple blown coverages in the Seminoles' pass defense could have resulted in more Blue Devils scores had QB Sean Renfree seen them, Fisher said.

"We had more missed assignments on defense than we did on offense in the game," he said. "They had two or three busted coverages that if they would have seen, it could have been big-time touchdown throws."

Coley Harvey, Orlando Sentinel

Times wires
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA passed a package of sweeping changes Tuesday intended to crack down on rule-breaking schools and coaches.

Under legislation approved by the 13-member board of directors, programs that commit the most egregious infractions could face postseason bans of two to four years and fines in the millions, while coaches could face suspensions of up to one year for violations committed by their staffs. The board also approved measures to expand the penalty structure from two tiers to four, create new penalty guidelines and speed up the litigation process.

The vote ends a movement that started in August 2011, in the midst of one of the most scandalous years in college sports history. NCAA president Mark Emmert was so concerned that he asked dozens of university leaders to join him at a retreat in Indianapolis. There, Emmert, school presidents and chancellors said they would get tough on those who refused to play by the rules.

"We have sought all along to remove the 'risk-reward' analysis that has tempted people — often because of the financial pressures to win at all costs — to break the rules in the hopes that either they won't be caught or that the consequences won't be very harsh if they do get caught," Emmert said.

Under the plan, violators found in a "serious breach of conduct" with aggravating circumstances could get those postseason bans and be forced to return millions of dollars from specific events or gross revenue generated by the sport.

Basketball

WOMEN'S ALL-AMERICANS: Baylor's Brittney Griner became the third player to be a two-time unanimous choice on the Associated Press' preseason team. Delaware senior Elena Delle Donne and Notre Dame senior Skylar Diggins were also on all 40 ballots. Stanford's Chiney Ogwumike (23 votes), Maryland's Alyssa Thomas (19) and Baylor's Odyssey Sims (19) joined them.

PITINO EXTENSION: Louisville gave Rick Pitino a five-year contract extension that will keep the coach with the Cardinals through the 2021-22 season. His $3.9 million base salary remains the same, but he will earn a $600,000 retention bonus every other year from 2014 to 2022.

TENNESSEE: Forward Jeronne Maymon will miss the Nov. 9 season opener as he recovers from offseason arthroscopic surgery to both knees.

Football

OBITUARY: Don Steinberg, who as an end in a single-wing attack helped Ohio State win its first national championship in 1942, died Monday of congestive heart failure in Perry Township, Ohio. He was 90.

AUBURN: Coach Gene Chizik said freshman quarterback Jonathan Wallace will start Saturday against New Mexico State. He replaces Clint Moseley, who sustained a left ankle injury last weekend against Texas A&M.

KANSAS ST.: Linebacker Tre Walker appears likely to miss significant time after hurting his right knee in Saturday's win over Texas Tech. Walker tweeted that he was on crutches, and teammates indicated he may not return this season.

PURDUE: Coach Danny Hope said he's not worried about the statement athletic director Morgan Burke released about the state of the program. The Boilermakers, expected to challenge for a Rose Bowl berth, are 0-4 in the Big Ten.

Times staff, wires
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

SOCCER

Australia coach to lead U.S. women

Tom Sermanni Pia Sundhage

Sunil Gulati

EXHIBITION:Kaka Neymar

MLS:Eddie Johnson

Brendan Mikkelson

Blair Jones

Marty St. Louis

Simona de Silvestro Tony Kanaan

BOXING:Hamid Rahimi Said Mbelwa

GOLF:Jose Maria Olazabal Nicolas ColsaertsPaul LawrieFrancesco Molinari Peter Hanson

SKIING:Lindsey Vonn

TENNIS:Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Julien BenneteauTomas Berdych Andreas Seppi

Times wires
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

DETROIT — Jim Leyland insisted throughout the latter part of the season that there would be a time and a place to discuss his managing future.

That moment came Tuesday, when the Tigers announced Leyland would be back in 2013 with a one-year extension.

"I really don't know why this is such a shock to everybody, because we told everybody that we weren't going to talk about this until after the season," Leyland said. "It's not even 48 hours and it's done. I think it was pretty much exactly like we had planned it."

The Tigers and their manager quickly ended any remaining speculation about his status, two days after Detroit was swept by the Giants in the World Series. Leyland, 67, was managing on a one-year deal this year as well, and he seems comfortable taking his future year by year.

"I'm going to be here in 2013, and we'll take that from there," Leyland said.

In other Tigers news, the team exercised its options on SS Jhonny Peralta and RH reliever Octavio Dotel.

PEAVY RE-SIGNS: RHP Jake Peavy and the White Sox agreed to a $29 million, two-year contract. Chicago also exercised a $9.5 million option on RHP Gavin Floyd and declined options on RHP Brett Myers and 3B Kevin Youkilis.

BLUE JAYS: LHP Ricky Romero had arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow and is expected to need six weeks to recover.

BRAVES: The team exercised options on C Brian McCann, RHP Tim Hudson and LHP Paul Maholm.

DODGERS: RH reliever Brandon League agreed to a three-year, $22.5 million contract.

CUBS: The club hired Vanderbilt assistant Derek Johnson as minor-league pitching coordinator. Johnson spent the past 11 seasons as the Commodores' pitching coach, helping develop Rays star LHP David Price.

METS: The club exercised a $16 million option on 3B David Wright and a $5 million option on RHP R.A. Dickey.

RANGERS: The team is making changes to Rangers Ballpark for the third offseason in a row, this time adding an additional row of seats behind home plate and making the dugouts bigger. The project will cost about $12 million. The club also declined a $9.25 million for LHP Scott Feldman and a $1.2 million option for RHP Yoshinori Tateyama.

RED SOX: Brian Butterfield was hired as third-base coach, the same position he held under new manager John Farrell the past two years with the Blue Jays.

Times wires
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

ST. LOUIS — The Rams say running back Steven Jackson is not available in a trade.

Coach Jeff Fisher did his best to quash persistent rumors about a deal, saying Tuesday that the Rams aren't shopping Jackson and have not been getting calls about him, either.

"The Steven Jackson rumors are rumors," Fisher said. "He's our running back and we're not calling around, nor are we getting calls for that matter.

"Put that to rest."

Jackson, who entered the season with a franchise-record seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, is sharing carries on an extensive basis for the first time in his career. Jackson is 11th in the NFC with 403 yards on 108 carries with a 3.7-yard average and one touchdown and rookie Daryl Richardson is 12th in the conference with 335 yards and a 5.4-yard average.

49ERS WANT RECORD: Alex Smith set a league record Monday night for the most passes in a game with only one incompletion, going 18-for-19 in the San Francisco's 24-3 victory at Arizona. But he didn't set the league completion percentage record, and the 49ers want to fix that. Smith was one attempt shy of the minimum 20 required to be eligible for the percentage mark. Coach Jim Harbaugh said he would appeal to the league that a throw to Michael Crabtree, ruled as a run, should have been a pass, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Kurt Warner holds the league mark at 92.3 percent (24-for-26), set in 2009 for the Cardinals against the Jaguars.

BRANDON STOKLEY, BAD COP: Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley said he was trying to prevent a penalty, or more, when he broke up a touchdown celebration by teammates Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker on Sunday night against the Saints. He stopped a planned two-man alley-oop dunk over the crossbar that would have drawn a penalty and probably a fine of between $10,000 and $25,000. "What did I get? I mean, they were mad at me on the sideline for stopping them," Stokley told the Denver Post. "It's tough being a dad sometimes, you know?' He once stepped in to stop Brandon Marshall, now with the Bears, in a similar situation. "He's doing great on his own," Stokley said of Marshall. "Now, I've got these other two knuckleheads I've got to mold. These kids, nowadays. You've got to put them in timeout."

CARDINALS: A day after being routed by the 49ers, the team promoted linebacker Zack Nash from the practice squad and released fullback Reagan Maui'a.

CHIEFS: Matt Cassel will start at quarterback Thursday at San Diego because Brady Quinn is not cleared to practice after a concussion. Cassel regains the job — at least for a week — that he lost after a dismal five games to start the season. Coach Romeo Crennel said Quinn won't be available, and that Ricky Stanzi will be the backup. Cassel sustained his own concussion Oct. 7 against Baltimore.

DOLPHINS: Receiver Anthony Armstrong was released after losing his spot to veteran and former Florida star Jabar Gaffney.

JAGUARS: The team sent receiver Mike Thomas to the Lions for an undisclosed draft pick. Thomas, signed to a three-year extension worth $18 million last October, had fallen down the depth chart in Jacksonville.

RAVENS: Offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie faces a $375,000 lawsuit stemming from allegations that he ran up a hefty tab at two Miami strip clubs. According to a suit filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, McKinnie owes the money to Charles "Pop" Young, the father of rapper Trick Daddy. McKinnie denied the allegations to the Baltimore Sun. "I got no papers, I was never served," the veteran said by phone. "…(Young) was working at those places and he's tried to borrow money from me. People can put anything out there. … This is bogus to me. For it to be even reported is stupid to me."

SEAHAWKS: Receiver Ben Obomanu (wrist) went on season-ending injured reserve, and rookie free agent Jermaine Kearse was called up from the practice squad.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson got an unexpected award Tuesday, co-winner of the American League Gold Glove. Of less surprise, pitcher James Shields and catcher Jose Molina are set to have their options picked up.

Hellickson said he hadn't even thought about the Gold Glove until getting word that he won, sharing the honor, voted by coaches and managers, with Chicago's Jake Peavy.

"It still hasn't set in," Hellickson said. "I'd much rather have been playing this last month, but this is a pretty cool award to win."

Even more so given the emphasis the Rays put on defense, even for the pitchers, with a Gold Glove mounted in their clubhouse.

"Our team as a whole takes pride in our defense, so it's an awesome award to win," Hellickson said. "Especially how hard we work on our defense and how much time we put into it."

Hellickson, the 2011 AL Rookie of the Year, is the fourth Ray to win a Gold Glove award, following Carlos Peña (2008, first base); Evan Longoria (2009-10, third base); and Carl Crawford (2010, outfield). Leftfielder Desmond Jennings was also a finalist but lost out to Kansas City's Alex Gordon.

Not that there was much question, but the Rays have already informed Shields, who was 15-10 with a 3.52 ERA, that they are picking up his $10.25 million option. Less certain is whether he will remain with the team, as he is expected to be a popular subject of trade talk.

There was more of a decision on the $1.8 million option for Molina, who didn't do much offensively, hitting .223 with eight homers and 32 RBIs in 102 games, but earned praise for his work behind the plate. At the least, the Rays' decision gives them a capable backup.

The Rays still have to act on options for closer Fernando Rodney, an obvious yes at $2.5 million, and DH Luke Scott, unlikely at $6 million. Official announcements are coming by Friday.

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

Times wires
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

ARCADIA, Calif. — The injury to Royal Delta was only skin deep.

That was the good news from Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott as Royal Delta prepares for a title defense Friday in the $2 million Ladies' Classic, one of glamor matchups among the 15 Breeders' Cup championships stakes over the weekend at Santa Anita.

A winner in three of her six races this year following her Ladies' Classic triumph last November at Churchill Downs, Royal Delta faces two undefeated challengers in Awesome Feather, 10-for-10, and My Miss Aurelia, 6-for-6.

Royal Delta is the 9-5 favorite in the bid for a repeat. There was concern Monday that she might not be in peak form after suffering a cut to her right hip on the flight from New York.

"She has a small laceration," Mott said. "The way I see it now, that's not going to slow her down, and it's not going to affect her ability to race at all."

Upon arrival, Royal Delta received a tetanus shot and the wound required several stitches.

SANDY AFTERMATH: Several New York trainers at Santa Anita counted themselves lucky that they and their horses were able to safely escape before Sandy hit.

Both Mott and Chad Brown had horses on the last flight out early Monday morning. Later that day, the trainers took a circuitous route to California, flying from Albany, N.Y., to Florida for connections to Los Angeles.

While there are horses to prep for the Breeders' Cup, it's hard not to think about family, friends and staff left behind to deal with blackouts and cleanups.

"It's difficult," said Brown, the trainer of Awesome Feather. "Not only is my family back home but my whole business is back there. A lot of other trainers are in the same boat. So many things are going on, but luckily it doesn't look like anything serious has happened to my business. We're fortunate for that."

The last New York horses, including Shanghai Bobby, the undefeated 2-1 favorite in the $2 million Juvenile, were stranded when their Tuesday flight was canceled. Conditions permitting, they will fly today.

AIKENITE RETIRED: Aikenite, who ran the three previous Breeders' Cups, was retired after re-injuring an ankle. Cot Campbell, president of Dogwood Stable, made the announcement.

Times wires
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

MIAMI — LeBron James got cramps, Ray Allen was snubbed and Dwyane Wade was steaming.

None of that spoiled the Heat's mood on ring night.

Wade scored 29, James had 26 points and 10 rebounds while missing much of the second half because of cramps in both legs, and the reigning NBA champion beat the Celtics 120-107 on Tuesday night in the season opener for both teams.

There were actual fireworks before the game to close the ceremony where Heat players got their championship rings and raised their title banner. There also were plenty of figurative fireworks late, first with Boston almost digging out of a 19-point hole and, after the outcome was decided, Rajon Rondo flagrantly fouling Wade by wrapping his arms around his neck on a drive.

In the end, though, the first Celtics-Heat matchup of this season was like the final one of last season: with Miami winning.

"It was good to cap this night off with a win," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "It was an emotional time for all of us in our organization."

Even for the newcomers, like Allen. He scored 19, needing only seven field-goal attempts, in his first game with Miami since leaving Boston over the summer. Chris Bosh had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Miami.

Allen got chants from the Heat crowd, which is nothing new. Except this time, they were positive.

"Never thought I'd hear that here," Allen said.

Allen also got the cold shoulder from Kevin Garnett. When he tried to engage his former teammate before the game, Garnett stared straight ahead and refused to acknowledge him.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Kyrie Irving scored 29, Anderson Varejao had a career-high 23 rebounds and host Cleveland routed short-handed Washington 94-84 in the first game on the NBA schedule. The Cavaliers led by 16 in the third quarter but needed big plays from Irving and Varejao in the final minutes.

STOUDEMIRE OUT: Amare Stoudemire could be sidelined for two months, the second straight season the Knicks forward will miss significant time because of injury. The team said Stoudemire will have left knee surgery and could be out six to eight weeks, more than twice as long as originally estimated when he was hurt during the preseason.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: Ty Lawson signed a four-year, $48 million extension with the Nuggets, eliminating a distraction that had been hanging over the team and its star point guard for weeks. … Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said he wished he hadn't guaranteed his team would win an NBA title before LeBron James, who left Cleveland for Miami as a free agent in July 2010 and won a title last season. … The 76ers ruled out center Andrew Bynum for tonight's home opener against Denver and have no timetable for his return. Bynum has a bone bruise in his right knee. … The Pacers will start the season without star forward Danny Granger, who is sidelined indefinitely with a sore left knee.

Heat 120, Celtics 107

BOSTON (107): Pierce 6-15 9-9 23, Bass 6-11 3-4 15, Garnett 4-8 1-1 9, Lee 5-6 0-0 11, Rondo 9-14 2-4 20, Sullinger 1-2 0-0 2, Terry 2-7 4-4 8, Green 0-4 3-4 3, Barbosa 6-8 1-2 16. Totals 39-75 23-28 107.

MIAMI (120): James 10-16 4-5 26, Battier 2-4 0-0 6, Bosh 8-15 3-4 19, Wade 10-22 9-11 29, Chalmers 3-7 2-2 8, Allen 5-7 7-8 19, Haslem 0-1 0-0 0, Lewis 4-5 1-2 10, Cole 1-2 0-0 3, Miller 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 43-79 26-32 120.

Boston 25 29 22 31— 107

Miami 31 31 31 27— 120

3-Point Goals—Boston 6-13 (Barbosa 3-3, Pierce 2-4, Lee 1-1, Rondo 0-2, Terry 0-3), Miami 8-16 (Battier 2-3, Allen 2-3, James 2-4, Lewis 1-2, Cole 1-2, Bosh 0-1, Chalmers 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Boston 43 (Garnett 12), Miami 40 (James, Bosh 10). Assists—Boston 24 (Rondo 13), Miami 25 (Chalmers 11). Total Fouls—Boston 23, Miami 20. Technicals—Rondo, Boston illegal defense, Miami illegal defense. Flagrant Fouls—Rondo. A—20,296.

Cavaliers 94, Wizards 84

WASHINGTON (84): Ariza 3-8 1-2 9, Booker 2-9 0-0 4, Okafor 4-10 2-4 10, Price 2-13 1-1 7, Beal 2-8 2-2 8, Vesely 3-4 1-4 7, Webster 4-6 0-0 9, Crawford 4-13 3-4 11, Ja.Pargo 2-6 2-2 7, Singleton 2-7 0-0 4, Barron 4-6 0-1 8. Totals 32-90 12-20 84.

CLEVELAND (94): Gee 2-9 0-0 4, Thompson 5-8 2-4 12, Varejao 3-7 3-3 9, Irving 11-20 4-5 29, Waiters 6-14 3-4 17, Miles 1-5 0-0 2, Zeller 2-4 1-2 5, Gibson 3-5 2-4 10, Walton 1-2 0-0 2, Sloan 2-5 0-0 4. Totals 36-79 15-22 94.

Washington 24 15 23 22— 84

Cleveland 31 19 24 20— 94

3-Point Goals—Washington 8-32 (Beal 2-4, Ariza 2-4, Price 2-9, Webster 1-3, Ja.Pargo 1-4, Booker 0-1, Singleton 0-1, Crawford 0-6), Cleveland 7-20 (Irving 3-6, Gibson 2-4, Waiters 2-5, Walton 0-1, Miles 0-1, Sloan 0-1, Gee 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Washington 49 (Barron 8), Cleveland 67 (Varejao 23). Assists—Washington 26 (Price 6), Cleveland 22 (Varejao 9). Total Fouls—Washington 19, Cleveland 21. Technicals—Crawford, Thompson. A—20,562 (20,562).