Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

LAKE BUENA VISTA — Getting off to a quick start is nothing new for Charlie Wi. The hard part is finishing what he starts.

Wi took the 18-hole lead for the third time this year — and the eighth time in his winless PGA Tour career — by closing with back-to-back birdies Thursday for 8-under 64 on the easier Palm Course at the Walt Disney World Resort. That gave him a one-shot lead over former Gator Camilo Villegas and Tommy Gainey in the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic.

This is the 184th career tour start for Wi. Getting his first win would give him a chance to get into the top 30 on the money list and earn his first trip to the Masters. "Top 30 is definitely a goal," Wi said. "I at least want to give myself a chance."

Villegas, 30, hasn't won since 2007, failed to qualify for any major this year and is No. 150 on the money list. The top 125 earn full tour cards for next year. If Villegas falls out of the top 150, he'll have to go to the second stage of qualifying school. "Trust me, people remind you, 'Hey, you're 150th on the money list.' And I'm kind of like, 'Life is good. Just keep going,' " he said. "If you're good at this game, if you're out, you'll be back in."

Tampa resident Ryuji Imada was at 3 under.

The first two days, also being played on the Magnolia Course, are a pro-am. Rays pitcher David Price, named Wednesday a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award, shot an adjusted 12 under on the Magnolia to share the amateur lead with comedian Bill Engvall and Orlando real estate investor Lothar Estein.

LPGA: Michelle Wie shot 6-under 66 for a share of the first-round lead in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational with Angela Stanford and Candie Kung at Guadalajara, Mexico. Stacy Lewis, coming off her tour-leading fourth victory Sunday in Japan, was in a group of five one stroke back. Ochoa, who won 27 titles before retiring at 28 in 2010, had 71. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome and Tampa resident Kristy McPherson also shot 71.

european: Chapchai Nirat shot 6-under 65 today for the first-round lead of the rain-delayed Singapore Open. Play was halted Thursday due to rain and the threat of lightning with 78 golfers on the course. The round was concluded this morning, followed by Round 2. Rory McIlroy, trying to match Luke Donald's 2011 feat of winning the European and PGA Tour money titles, shot 70. Phil Mickelson had 73.

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report.

Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Baseball

Marlins hire Tino Martinez as hitting coach

MIAMI — The Marlins hired Tino Martinez as hitting coach under new manager Mike Redmond on Thursday.

Miami confirmed the hire but said it would not make an official announcement until the entire coaching staff is in place. Martinez, 44, was unavailable for comment.

Martinez, a graduate of Tampa's Jefferson High and a first baseman in the majors for 16 years, has been a Yankees special assistant and spring instructor, and an analyst for the YES Network. He hit .271 with 339 homers for the Yankees, Mariners, Cardinals and Rays.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Martinez was chosen not by Redmond but by owner Jeffrey Loria. Redmond's first choice was John Mabry. He spent 2012 as the Cardinals' assistant hitting coach and this week was promoted after hitting coach Mark McGwire took the same position with the Dodgers.

Blue Jays: Maicer Izturis became the first free agent to join a new team, agreeing to a three-year, $10 million deal with a team option for 2016. He hit .256 with two homers, 20 RBIs and 17 steals while playing second, third and short for the Angels.

Executive of the year: A's GM Billy Beane won the Sporting News award. Beane, who also won in 1999, got 31 of 57 votes cast by major-league executives. The Nationals' Mike Rizzo was second with 13, followed by the Rangers' Jon Daniels (six), Reds' Walt Jocketty (three), Cardinals' John Mozeliak (two), Giants' Brian Sabean (one) and White Sox's Ken Williams (one).

Soccer

Late goal propels D.C. to East final

Nick DeLeon scored in the 88th minute as visiting D.C. United beat New York 1-0 for a 2-1, two-match aggregate-goals win in the MLS Eastern Conference semifinal and a berth in the East final. A New York goal in the 69th minute on a penalty kick was waived off because a player moved into the box too quickly. The second penalty kick was stopped. D.C. meets Houston in a two-game series starting Sunday. … Visiting Seattle beat Salt Lake 1-0 for a 1-0 aggregate win in their West semi and a berth in the final. It faces Los Angeles starting Sunday. Los Angeles beat San Jose 3-0 for a 3-1 aggregate win behind Robbie Keane's two goals late Wednesday.

France: The nation's federation banned midfielder Yann M'Vila through the 2014 World Cup for going to a Paris nightclub between two games of an under-21 Cup qualifier. France lost the second game and was eliminated.

Et cetera

Tennis: Roger Federer advanced to the semifinals of the ATP Finals by beating David Ferrer 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) in London. Federer moved to 2-0 in the season-ending, round-robin tournament and 14-0 against Ferrer despite making only 53 percent of his first serves and having to save nine break points, six during his first two service games. "I definitely needed a good second serve," Federer said. "Either the rhythm was off a bit or I wasn't pushing enough with the legs or whatever it might have been." Ferrer, Juan Martin del Potro and Janko Tipsarevic still have shots to advance. Del Potro beat Tipsarevic 6-0, 6-4.

Cycling: Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins was released from a hospital in Chorley, England, a day after he was hit by a car while training. Wiggins, the Olympic time trial champion in August, sustained bruised ribs and scrapes to his hands.

Times wires

Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Up next | Races on major circuits

Sprint Cup

What: AdvoCare 500

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 2 p.m.), qualifying (Speed, 6 p.m.); Saturday, practice (Speed, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.); Sunday, race (ESPN, 3 p.m.); Avondale, Ariz.

Fast facts: Jimmie Johnson has four wins at Phoenix International Raceway, three in Chase for the Championship races. … Danica Patrick makes her season's 10th and final Cup start. … The track was repaved and reconfigured last year. The new configuration features variable banking, a longer dogleg and an improved pit road.

Standings: 1. Johnson, 2,339; 2. Brad Keselowski, 2,332; 3. Clint Bowyer, 2,303; 4. Kasey Kahne, 2,281; 5. Matt Kenseth, 2,267; 6. Jeff Gordon, 2,267; 7. Denny Hamlin, 2,266; 8. Tony Stewart, 2,259; 9. Martin Truex, 2,259; 10. Greg Biffle, 2,256; 11. Kevin Harvick, 2,238; 12. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2,188

Nationwide

What: Great Clips 200

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, noon and 3:30 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 12:30 p.m.), race (ESPN, 4); Avondale, Ariz.

Fast facts: Brian Vickers, set to return to the series full time next season for Joe Gibbs Racing, is driving Gibbs' 20 Toyota. Joey Logano is in Gibbs' No. 18.

Standings: 1. Ricky Stenhouse, 1,170; 2. Elliott Sadler, 1,170; 3. Austin Dillon, 1,149; 4. Sam Hornish, 1,075; 5. Michael Annett, 1,013

Trucks

What: Lucas Oil 150

When/where: Today, qualifying (Speed, 4:30 p.m.), race (Speed, 8); Avondale, Ariz.

Fast facts: Brian Scott is driving Kyle Busch Motorsports' No. 18 Toyota. … Charles J. Henry, crew chief for RSS Racing's No. 38, was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR for violating its substance-abuse policy.

Standings: 1. James Buescher, 750; 2. Ty Dillon, 735; 3. Timothy Peters, 725

NHRA

What: Auto Club Finals

When/where: Today, qualifying; Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 2:30 a.m. Sunday taped); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 7 p.m.); Pomona, Calif.

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Antron Brown, 2,522; 2. Tony Schumacher, 2,457. Funny Car — 1. Jack Beckman, 2,531; 2. Ron Capps, 2,527. Pro Stock — 1. Allen Johnson, 2,630; 2. Jason Line, 2,504. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, 2,672; 2. Andrew Hines, 2,561

Formula One

Next: U.S. Grand Prix, Nov. 18, Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas

Standings: 1. Sebastian Vettel, 255; 2. Fernando Alonso, 245; 3. Kimi Raikkonen, 198

Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Kobe Bryant is angry, coach Mike Brown is frustrated, but Dwight Howard believes the Lakers just need to check themselves.

Bryant led all scorers with 29 points and Howard had 19 with nine rebounds, but the host Jazz forced 19 turnovers to drop the Lakers to 1-4 with a 95-86 victory late Wednesday.

Bryant started exiting the court with about five seconds left and was testy afterward, saying he played angry.

"Just a little bit," he told the Los Angeles Times.

Why? he was asked.

"Nothing I care to share," he replied.

"We're all frustrated," Brown said.

Then new-guy Howard suggested to ESPN.com that Bryant might want to be less visible in his disgust.

"A lot of the guys look at me and Kobe, and they feed off us, so we have to do a better job of keeping our frustrations on the inside and just playing through it so our teammates won't get down on themselves," Howard said.

Game highlights: Kevin Durant scored eight of his 24 in the fourth quarter and the Thunder beat the Bulls for the third time in its last four games at Chicago, 97-91.

Spurs suffer first loss: Led by DeAndre Jordan's 20 points and Blake Griffin's 22 with 10 rebounds, the host Clippers rolled to a 106-84 victory late Wednesday to hand the Spurs (4-1) their first loss of the season. The Clippers controlled the boards 46-29.

"We still remember what they did to us a couple months ago," Jordan said about the team that swept the Clippers out of the second round of the playoffs. "That was extra motivation."

Around the league: The league suspended Kings forward Thomas Robinson for two games, starting tonight, for elbowing Detroit's Jonas Jerebko in the neck Wednesday. … Warriors center Andrew Bogut will be out seven to 10 days to rest and strengthen his surgically repaired left ankle. … Mehmet Okur, who played 10 seasons and won an NBA title with the Pistons in 2004, announced his retirement at age 33 because of injuries.

Thunder 97, Bulls 91

OKLAHOMA CITY (97): Durant 11-19 2-2 24, Ibaka 8-15 4-4 21, Perkins 0-0 0-0 0, Westbrook 7-22 1-1 16, Sefolosha 3-6 0-0 7, Martin 3-5 8-9 15, Collison 2-2 0-0 4, Thabeet 0-0 0-0 0, Maynor 2-4 5-5 10. Totals 36-73 20-21 97.

CHICAGO (91): Deng 11-21 2-2 27, Boozer 3-9 3-4 9, Noah 4-9 1-2 9, Hinrich 5-12 0-0 12, Hamilton 7-14 6-6 20, Gibson 2-5 0-0 4, Belinelli 0-0 2-2 2, Mohammed 0-2 0-0 0, Robinson 1-6 0-0 2, Butler 2-5 2-2 6, Radmanovic 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 35-84 16-18 91.

Oklahoma City 24 24 18 31— 97

Chicago 24 23 25 19— 91

3-Point Goals—Okl City 5-13 (Martin 1-1, Maynor 1-1, Ibaka 1-1, Sefolosha 1-1, Westbrook 1-7, Durant 0-2), Chi 5-15 (Deng 3-6, Hinrich 2-5, Butler 0-1, Robinson 0-1, Hamilton 0-1, Radmanovic 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Okl City 42 (Ibaka 9), Chi 47 (Noah 13). Assists—Okl City 23 (Westbrook 12), Chi 22 (Noah 6). Total Fouls—Okl City 19, Chi 19. A—21,737.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

More online: seminoles.tampabay.com

Who: Murray State

Score: FSU 69-3

RECORDS: FSU 1-0, 0-0 ACC Murray State 0-1, 0-0 Ohio Valley

Who: Savannah State

Score: FSU 55-0

RECORDS: FSU 2-0, 0-0 ACC Savannah State 0-2, 0-0 MEAC

Who: Wake Forest

Score: FSU 52-0

RECORDS: FSU 3-0, 1-0 ACC Wake Forest 2-1, 1-1 ACC

Who: Clemson

Score: FSU 49-37

RECORDS: FSU 4-0, 2-0 ACC Clemson 3-1, 0-1 ACC

Who: USF

Score: FSU 30-17

RECORDS: FSU 5-0, 2-0 ACC USF 2-3, 0-1 Big East

Who: N.C. St.

Score: N.C. State 17-16

RECORDS: FSU 5-1, 2-1 ACC N.C. State 4-2, 1-1 ACC

Who: Boston College

Score: FSU 51-7

RECORDS: FSU 6-1, 3-1 ACC Boston College 1-5, 0-3 ACC

Who: Miami

Score: 33-20

RECORDS: FSU 6-1, 3-1 Miami 4-4, 3-2 ACC

Who: Duke

Score: FSU 48-7

RECORDS: FSU 8-1, 5-1 ACC Duke 6-3, 3-2 ACC

Who: Va. Tech

score: FSU 28-22

records: FSU 9-1, 6-1 ACC Virginia Tech 4-6, 2-4 ACC

Who: Maryland

Where: Byrd Stadium, College Park, Md.

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Who: Florida

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

When: TBA

TV: TBA

Radio: 820/1040-AM

Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

JACKSONVILLE — Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck ran for two touchdowns as the Colts won their fourth straight, 27-10 over the Jaguars on Thursday. Jacksonville has lost six straight since beating Indianapolis on a last-minute touchdown in Week 3.

Luck went 18-of-26 for 227 yards and an interception. He led the Colts to scores on their first two drives. His first touchdown came from 5 yards and made it 10-0.

His second came on a fourth-and-1 sneak. It prompted Jacksonville coach Mike Mularkey to throw his play sheet as he ran onto the field arguing for a replay review. He was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The drive was set up by the Colts winning a challenge on a fumble by receiver Laurent Robinson.

It was a microcosm of another abysmal half for the Jaguars.

They lost two challenges. Several Blaine Gabbert passes were dropped. A false start forced Jacksonville to settle for a field goal. Josh Scobee missed a 44-yard field goal try that would have given him a team-record 21 straight makes.

Jacksonville appeared to intercept Luck on the first play of the ensuing series. But it was nullified by a roughing the passer penalty.

Darius Butler made it 24-3 early in the third with an 11-yard interception return. The cornerback recovered a fumble in the second quarter that led to a score.

Gabbert went 18-of-31 for 209 yards before leaving in the fourth when he aggravated his left (nonthrowing) shoulder injury. Chad Henne entered and threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Cecil Shorts.

Lions star receiver says he has nerve injury

DETROIT — Lions receiver Calvin Johnson said he has been dealing with an arm nerve injury sustained on a helmet-to-helmet hit by Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway on Sept. 30.

"It was kind of messing up my grip a little," said Johnson, who has one touchdown catch. "I think that the concussion could have had something to do with some of that damage I had going on."

Thursday was the second time Johnson said he sustained a concussion on the hit. Coach Jim Schwartz said after that game and Thursday that Johnson did not sustain a concussion. He missed only a few plays after the hit.

Johnson did not practice Thursday because of an undisclosed knee injury but expects to play Sunday against the Vikings.

Bears: Cornerback Charles Tillman said he will play against the Titans on Sunday night after learning his wife is scheduled to give birth to a girl Monday.

Bills: Starting defensive end Chris Kelsay left practice early with what the team called only a neck injury.

Eagles: Running back LeSean McCoy missed practice with an undisclosed illness but was expected to play Sunday against the Cowboys.

Falcons: Starting linebacker Sean Weatherspoon will miss his second straight game with a sprained right ankle.

Patriots: Tight end Aaron Hernandez practiced for the second straight day, but the former Gator will be a game-time decision for Sunday against the Bills because of an ankle injury that has kept him out of five games this season.

Raiders: Defensive tackle Richard Seymour missed his second straight practice due to a hamstring injury and is questionable for Sunday against the Ravens.

Vikings: Receiver and former Gator Percy Harvin did not practice for a second straight day because of an ankle injury.

Suh the dirtiest: For the second straight season, Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was named the league's dirtiest player in a Sporting News poll. Among 103 players, Suh got 32 votes, 13 more than Dolphins guard Richie Incognito.

Blackout: The Bengals failed to sell 85 percent of their nonpremium seats, meaning Sunday's game against the Giants will not air on local TV.

Times wires
Thursday, November 8, 2012

BLACKSBURG, Va .— With a shocking loss at North Carolina State still fresh in their minds, Florida State had its back against the wall with a similar-feeling road loss appearing to be in the works Thursday night.

But this time, the Seminoles were up to the challenge.

With 40 seconds to spare, receiver Rashad Greene took a short slant pass from quarterback EJ Manuel and raced 39 yards across Lane Stadium's Worsham Field and into the end zone as FSU beat Virginia Tech 28-22.

The Seminoles (9-1, 6-1 ACC) won their fourth straight and can secure a spot in the conference's Dec. 1 title game with a victory over Maryland next week.

The Hokies (4-6, 2-4) lost for the fifth time in six games and have to beat Boston College and Virginia in their final regular-season games to qualify for a bowl for the 20th straight year.

"Nobody was flustered, nobody was afraid," Manuel said about the winning drive. "We all knew what we needed to do. We feel like we're built for things like that, and it showed tonight."

The Hokies appeared poised for the win when they kicked a 21-yard field goal to cap a 10-play drive that started after Tech scored on a safety. Seminoles tailback Devonta Freeman tried, unsuccessfully, to push a ball forward as he was being tackled in the end zone, an illegal forward pass.

But Virginia Tech had to settle for a field goal on the ensuing drive when quarterback Logan Thomas ran for 2 yards on third and 3 from the FSU 6.

"We actually had the perfect play drawn up, but we missed a block," Thomas said. "I probably would have scored."

Following the field goal that made it 22-20, the Seminoles got the ball with 2:13 left.

FSU totaled minus-15 rushing yards for the game, but former Plant High standout James Wilder had one of the biggest runs of the game, bulling up the middle to gain 7 on fourth and 1. Soon after that, Manuel found Greene, who caught six passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

"Thursday night? Virginia Tech? This is what I watched every year, and now I've experienced it, and it's crazy," FSU defensive end Bjoern Werner said.

Times staff, wires
Friday, November 9, 2012

LAKE BUENA VISTA — Getting off to a quick start is nothing new for Charlie Wi. The hard part is finishing what he starts.

Wi took the 18-hole lead for the third time this year — and the eighth time in his winless PGA Tour career — by closing with back-to-back birdies Thursday for 8-under 64 on the easier Palm Course at the Walt Disney World Resort. That gave him a one-shot lead over former Gator Camilo Villegas and Tommy Gainey in the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic.

This is the 184th career tour start for Wi. Getting his first win would give him a chance to get into the top 30 on the money list and earn his first trip to the Masters. "Top 30 is definitely a goal," Wi said. "I at least want to give myself a chance."

Villegas, 30, hasn't won since 2007, failed to qualify for any major this year and is No. 150 on the money list. The top 125 earn full tour cards for next year. If Villegas falls out of the top 150, he'll have to go to the second stage of qualifying school. "Trust me, people remind you, 'Hey, you're 150th on the money list.' And I'm kind of like, 'Life is good. Just keep going,' " he said. "If you're good at this game, if you're out, you'll be back in."

Tampa resident Ryuji Imada was at 3 under.

The first two days, also being played on the Magnolia Course, are a pro-am. Rays pitcher David Price, named Wednesday a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award, shot an adjusted 12 under on the Magnolia to share the amateur lead with comedian Bill Engvall and Orlando real estate investor Lothar Estein.

Times staff
Friday, November 9, 2012

TODAY

Autos

Nationwide: Great Clips 200 practice, noon, Speed

Sprint Cup: AdvoCare 500 practice, 2 p.m., Speed

Nationwide: Great Clips 200 practice, 3:30 p.m., Speed

Trucks: Lucas Oil 150 qualifying, 4:30 p.m., Speed

Sprint Cup: AdvoCare 500 qualifying, 6 p.m., Speed

Trucks: Lucas Oil 150, 8 p.m., Speed

College basketball

Women: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State, 4 p.m., NBCSN

Michigan State vs. Connecticut, 5:30 p.m., ESPN

Georgia State at Duke, 7 p.m., ESPNU

Gardner Webb at North Carolina, 7 p.m., Sun Sports

South Alabama at Florida State, 7 p.m., 1040-AM

Ohio State vs. Marquette, 7 p.m., NBCSN; 1010-AM

Bryant at Indiana, 8 p.m., Big Ten

Maryland vs. Kentucky, 8:30 p.m., ESPN

South Dakota State at Alabama, 9 p.m., ESPNU

Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M, 9 p.m., Sun Sports

Florida vs. Georgetown, 9 p.m., NBCSN; 620-AM

Indiana State at UCLA, 11 p.m., FSN

College football

Pittsburgh at Connecticut, 8 p.m., ESPN2

College soccer

Big East semifinal: Marquette vs. Georgetown, 5 p.m., CBSSN

Brown at Dartmouth, 7 p.m., FSC

Big East semifinal: Notre Dame vs. Connecticut, 7:30 p.m., CBSSN

Golf

PGA: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, 1 p.m., Golf

PGA Europe: Singapore Open, 10 p.m., Golf

Hockey

QMJHL: Halifax at Gatineau, 7 p.m., NHL

High school football

Lakeland at Lakeland Kathleen, 7 p.m., BHSN

NBA

Nets at Magic, 7 p.m., FSN

Rockets at Grizzlies, 8 p.m., NBA

Jazz at Nuggets, 10:30 p.m., ESPN

Soccer

Mexican: Santos at Monarcas, 10:25 p.m., ESPND

Tennis

ATP: World Tour Finals , 7 a.m., Tennis

ATP: World Tour Finals (taped), 2 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday HIGHLIGHTS

Autos

Nationwide: Great Clips 200, 4 p.m., ESPN

College basketball

Women: Stetson at USF, 2 p.m., 1010-AM

UCF at USF, 7 p.m., BHSN; 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

College football

Miami at Virginia, noon, Ch. 28; 1040-AM

Northwestern at Michigan, noon, ESPN

Wisconsin at Indiana, noon, ESPN2

Army at Rutgers, noon, ESPNU

Purdue at Iowa, noon, Big Ten

Cincinnati at Temple, noon, BHSN

Kansas at Texas Tech, noon, FSN

Arkansas at South Carolina, noon, Ch. 10; 98.7-FM

Harvard at Penn, noon, NBCSN

Louisiana-Lafayette at Florida, 12:20, Ch. 38; 620-AM

Georgia Tech at North Carolina, 12:30, Ch. 44

Colgate at Lehigh, 12:30, CBSSN

Colorado at Arizona, 1:30, FX

Oregon State at Stanford, 3, Ch. 13

Wake Forest at N.C. State, 3, Sun Sports

Penn State at Nebraska, 3:30, Ch. 28

Texas A&M at Alabama, 3:30, Ch. 10; 98.7-FM

West Virginia at Oklahoma State, 3:30, ESPN2

Maryland at Clemson, 3:30, ESPNU

Air Force at San Diego State, 3:30, NBCSN

Baylor at Oklahoma, 3:30, FSN

Minnesota at Illinois, 3:30, Big Ten

Tulsa at Houston, 5, CBSSN

Mississippi State at LSU, 7, ESPN; 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

Georgia at Auburn, 7, ESPN2

Vandy at Ole Miss, 7, ESPNU

Boise State at Hawaii, 7, NBCSN

Southern Miss at SMU, 7, FSN

UCF at UTEP, 7, 1350-AM

Kansas State at TCU, 7, Ch. 13

Notre Dame at Boston College, 8, Ch. 28

Mississippi State at LSU (in progress), 9, 98.7-FM; 1010-AM

Idaho at BYU, 10:15, ESPNU

Oregon at California, 10:30, ESPN

UCLA at Washington State , 10:30, ESPN2

Fresno State at Nevada, 10:30, NBCSN

Sunday HIGHLIGHTS

Autos

Sprint Cup: AdvoCare 500, 3 p.m., ESPN

College basketball

Alabama State at Florida, 3:30 p.m., Sun Sports; 1250-AM

NFL

Chargers at Bucs, 1 p.m., 103.5-FM, 620-AM

Titans at Dolphins, 1 p.m., Ch. 10

Cowboys at Eagles, 4:25 p.m., Ch. 13; 1040-AM

Rams at 49ers, 4:25 p.m., 1010-AM

Jets at Seahawks (in progress), 5 p.m., 98.7-FM

Texans at Bears, 8:20 p.m., Ch. 8; 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

TV: BHSN: Bright House Sports Network; CBSSN: CBS Sports Network; ESPND: ESPN Deportes; FSC: Fox Soccer Channel; FSN: Fox Sports Net; NBCSN: NBC Sports Network

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 9, 2012

TAMPA — Bucs defensive end Da'Quan Bowers ruptured his right Achilles tendon during an offseason workout exactly six months ago today.

Bowers said it wasn't painful, more of a weird feeling.

"It felt like my shoe fell off," he said. "It was the rehab that was the hardest part."

Bowers' long and sometimes lonely rehab had him running in pools, riding an exercise bike, boxing in the weight room and climbing stairs in a parking garage. But it was how the 22-year-old attacked the process that enabled him to come back so soon as he prepared Friday to play his third game of a season many thought lost.

"He never got down," Bucs assistant strength and conditioning coach Bob Gilmartin said. "And he never had any setbacks."

Recovery time for a ruptured Achilles tendon usually ranges from six months to a year. Bowers said it helped that his was an even tear, repaired by surgery May 11. It did test his patience as he spent the next two months wearing a boot before moving on to crutches then a softer boot.

Over that time, Bowers focused a lot on his upper body, which he said is stronger than it has been in his entire life. (He has raised his bench press by 50 pounds.) His power showed in August, when, with the foot stabilized, he delivered a three-punch combination on a 100-pound heavy bag attached to a staircase in the Bucs' weight room.

"He hit the bag so hard, he broke the big bolt that went through one of the beams," strength and conditioning coach Jay Butler said. "It was holding up the bag, and he snapped the thing right off."

Boxing was one alternative exercise Bowers went through before he was cleared to run outside. He ran a lot in the pool with increased degrees of resistance from jets and competed with Gilmartin on the exercise bike.

"I can usually beat most guys, but I couldn't beat him," Gilmartin said.

During training camp, Bowers went to all team meetings. But once teammates hit the field, he did morning and afternoon sessions with Gilmartin. He lifted weights, biked and went down the street to St. Joseph's Hospital for intervals of running up 10 flights of stairs in the parking garage.

"There wasn't a whole lot of on-field access until late in the rehab," Bowers said. "I'd peak out the door during camp and see (teammates) and get all mad and frustrated and say, 'I'm so far away.' But that time went by fast."

He was outside by September, moving his way up to pushing sleds and doing agility drills to get into football shape. Bowers, who started the season on the physically unable to perform list, returned to practice Oct. 17. At that point, the Bucs had two weeks to activate him or put him on season-ending injured reserve.

With defensive end Adrian Clayborn lost to a season-ending knee injury, the Bucs hoped Bowers could boost their pass rush — if he was physically ready. They brought him along at a deliberate pace, activating him for the Vikings game Oct. 25 but using him only on third downs.

He played more last week against the Raiders and could see even more snaps Sunday against the Chargers. Though his conditioning is still not where he wants it to be, he has been productive with a sack and three tackles.

In doing so, the 2011 second-round pick silenced doubters.

"I don't know if it's good genes or rehab specialists," Bowers said. "But the guys did a great job with me. I made a statement as soon as I hurt it that I'd be playing this year. Nobody seemed to believe me.

"It's been a tough road, but I'm glad to be where I am now."

Times wires
Friday, November 9, 2012

NEW YORK — Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders was fined $15,000 and his team $35,000 by the league for faking an injury. It's the first time the league has issued fines for faking an injury.

With the Steelers leading the Bengals late on Oct. 21, Sanders, standing in the huddle, suddenly grabbed the back of his leg and collapsed to the ground. Officials stopped the clock, allowing the Steelers to save a timeout.

In a letter to Sanders and the Steelers, league executive Ray Anderson said video showed Sanders running "swiftly and effortlessly" after the injury supposedly left him in severe pain.

"Moreover," the letter read, "after missing the one play …and receiving no apparent treatment, Sanders returned to the game for a fourth-down punt on which he outsprinted all of his teammates 26 yards down the field, arriving at the ball ahead of all other Pittsburgh players and then downing the ball."

Anderson said he found no evidence the Steelers as an organization instructed or condoned faking injuries: "If I believed that to be the case, the discipline would be substantially more."

Neither the team nor Sanders were available Friday for comment.

More Steelers: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who previously said he would miss a game to see his child be born, hinted that will happen soon. Asked on the Dan Patrick Show about a name, he said, "I'll let you know in like two weeks." He added his teammates, coaches and owner support him.

Patriot suspended: New England rookie running back Brandon Bolden was suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performing-enhancing substances. Details weren't disclosed. He has run for 234 yards (137 against the Bills on Sept. 30) and two touchdowns in six games.

Bills: The neck injury that forced starting defensive end Chris Kelsay out of Thursday's practice is not serious. But he is questionable for Sunday.

Giants: Starting guard Chris Snee practiced for the first time since rolling an ankle Sunday but is questionable to play.

Jaguars: Coach Mike Mularkey said quarterback Blaine Gabbert will start next week if healthy. He left Thursday's loss to the Colts during the fourth quarter after aggravating his left (nonthrowing) shoulder injury.

Lions: A day after saying for the second time this season he sustained a concussion on a helmet-to-helmet hit Sept. 30 against the Vikings (contradicting the team), receiver Calvin Johnson reversed himself. He also said he didn't sustain nerve damage as he said Thursday. "I misused the terms 'nerve damage' and 'concussion,' " he said. "I have not suffered any nerve damage nor have I received any treatment for nerve damage. I did suffer a stinger." Johnson, dealing with a knee injury, also practiced for the first time this week and will play Sunday.

Raiders: The team's top running backs, Darren McFadden Mike Goodson, will sit out Sunday with high ankle sprains sustained against the Bucs. Taiwan Jones, who has played primarily on special teams this season, and fullback Marcel Reece have split reps in practice this week. Also, starting defensive tackle Richard Seymour will be out with a hamstring injury.

Texans: Coach Gary Kubiak said tight end Owen Daniels was "very limited' in practice with a back injury and will be a game-time decision Sunday.

Vikings: Receiver Percy Harvin missed his third straight practice with a sprained left ankle and is doubtful for Sunday.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 9, 2012

TAMPA — For all the splendid things that came out of the 42-32 win at Oakland on Sunday, Tampa Bay didn't exactly put on a special teams clinic.

Among the notable blemishes were a roughing the punter penalty, a blocked field goal, and a missed field goal from the usually accurate Connor Barth.

"I'm very perturbed by some of the things that have happened in the kicking game. There's no reason for a blocked field goal," coach Greg Schiano said of the 35-yarder batted down by DE Lamarr Houston. "I don't care how good an effort Oakland made. If we don't remedy it, it's on us."

Also frustrating was LB Adam Hayward's roughing the punter, a 15-yard penalty. The Bucs try to block every punt, but Schiano said it's no excuse. Earlier this season, the Bucs ran into a punter, a 5-yard penalty.

"When you … come after the punt, sometimes that's an inherent risk with it," Schiano said. "But for the reasons that it has happened to us, it shouldn't have happened. It can happen but (shouldn't) the way it did to us. That's why I'm not very accepting of it. And I don't gloss over it."

Schiano took a different tone on Barth. His miss came from 54 yards. But since making 25 consecutive field goals, he is 4-of-8.

"I think he's kicking (fine)," Schiano said. "I just ask him, 'Did you hit it well?' That's all I want to know. If you keep hitting it well, you're going to make more than your fair share."

BENN HURTING: Schiano has another special teams concern with KR Arrelious Benn dealing with a shoulder injury. He will be a game-time decision. If he can't go against the Chargers, options include PR Roscoe Parrish and WR Tiquan Underwood. S Cody Grimm (hamstring) is questionable.

For the Chargers, LB Antwan Barnes (hamstring) is doubtful and starting DE Corey Liuget (hamstring) and starting LT Jared Gaither (groin) are questionable after missing practice Thursday and Friday.

MORE MARTIN: Voters at nfl.com selected RB Doug Martin as the rookie of the week after his 251 yards on 25 carries against the Raiders. The other finalists: Colts WR T.Y. Hilton, Colts QB Andrew Luck, Browns RB Trent Richardson and Seahawks QB Russell Wilson.

Martin also was named the "ground player of the week" for the second straight week. The honor comes with a $2,000 donation in Martin's name to Junior Achievement in Tampa.

STILL IN IT: The Chargers, with embattled coach Norv Turner, are among the forgotten teams in the AFC. But QB Philip Rivers said they are very much in the playoff race.

"The facts are we're 4-4 and we're a game out of first place in our division," he said. "We had a little rough stretch. We lost some games in tough fashion, three in a row. But we're battling through that and were able to get a division win (last week) against Kansas City.

"We're right in the thick of our division, and we have a shot at the halfway mark with eight (games) left to play. In a lot of ways, it's real positive."

Times wires
Friday, November 9, 2012

Winter sports

Stellar debuts in bobsled for track stars

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Lolo Jones and Tianna Madison couldn't hide their glee. The track and field Olympic stars who decided to try bobsledding after this year's Games couldn't have imagined a better start to their new careers.

Jones teamed with driver Jazmine Fenlator to win silver in the World Cup opener at Lake Placid on Friday, edging third-place teammates Elana Meyers and Madison, a Tampa resident, by 0.01 seconds.

World champion driver Kaillie Humphries of Canada and brakeman Chelsea Valois finished the two runs in 1 minute, 54.86 seconds, 0.47 ahead of Fenlator and Jones.

"I'm kind of in shock," said Jones, a two-time Olympic hurdler from Iowa.

"I'm shocked," said Fenlator, whose previous best Cup finish was eighth.

Said Madison, an Ohio native and member of the U.S. 400-meter relay team that won gold and set a world record in London, "The veterans on the team did an amazing job reaching out to us and kind of teaching us step by step."

Men's bobsled: Steven Holcomb and Steve Langton won the two-man gold in the World Cup opener at Lake Placid as the United States swept the top two spots. It was Holcomb's first Cup win in almost five years and the first by a U.S. team in almost three.

Figure skating: American Gracie Gold narrowly led the women's field after the short program at the Rostelecom Cup in Moscow. World men's champion Patrick Chan of Canada led the 10-man field; former U.S. champion Johnny Weir was last in his return to major competition after a two-season hiatus. Russians Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov were first in pairs; Americans Caydee Denney of Wesley Chapel and John Coughlin were third. Olympic champion ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada led after the short program.

Et cetera

NHL: The level of frustration and accusations intensified after the fourth straight day of bargaining between the league and the locked-out players in New York, but it appeared talks would continue today. The league was unhappy with a memo union chief Donald Fehr sent players on Thursday night, saying he withheld information about a key economic proposal. Fehr denied that and said the sides are not as far apart as it might seem.

Tennis: Andy Murray beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) to reach Sunday's semifinals of the season-ending ATP Finals in London after Novak Djokovic advanced by beating Tomas Berdych 6-2, 7-6 (6-8). Because Djokovic won in straight sets, Murray needed to win only one set to ensure his semis spot. Roger Federer already has qualified. The last semifinalist will be determined today.

Colleges: Host Florida defeated Florida Gulf Coast 2-0 in the opening round of the NCAA women's soccer tournament, giving coach Becky Burleigh her 400th career win. The Gators face the winner of tonight's Miami-UCF match in the second round. Host FSU beat Mississippi Valley State 6-0 to advance. It faces the winner of tonight's Texas Tech-North Texas game.

Swimming: Gold medalists Missy Franklin and Ryan Lochte won on the opening night of the Minneapolis Grand Prix, the first major event since the London Games. Franklin won the 200-meter butterfly. Lochte, a former Gator, won the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly. Becca Mann, 14, who trains in Clearwater, won the 400 individual medley in 4 minutes, 10.29 seconds, 11 seconds ahead of the field.

Times wires

Times wires
Friday, November 9, 2012

LAKE BUENA VISTA — Charlie Beljan was worried about keeping his PGA Tour card when he showed up at the Walt Disney World Resort for the year's final tournament. That changed Friday over five frightening hours during which he felt a shortness of breath and his heart racing, and told his caddie he thought he was going to die.

He called for paramedics at the turn and was told his blood pressure was not good. He sat in the middle of the fairway to rest and kneeled on the green to try to steady himself.

The 28-year-old rookie fought through it for 8-under 64 to take a three-shot lead at 12-under 132 in the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic over a group of seven that included Tampa resident Ryuji Imada (66) and first-round leader Charlie Wi (71).

Moments after signing his card, Beljan was loaded onto a stretcher and taken by ambulance to Celebration Hospital.

"I think he was scared," said his caddie, Rick Adcox. "He kept saying he thought he was going to die. … It was spooky."

A few hours later, his agent sent a text message to tour officials saying Beljan was waiting for test results, feeling better and hopeful of being discharged Friday evening. In a later text, agent Andy Dawson said even if Beljan remained in the hospital overnight, he planned to play the third round today.

Beljan was in the lead for the first time after any round. It could not have come at a better time. He is No. 139 on the money list; only the top 125 keep their full tour cards for next year.

"It was bizarre," said Edward Loar, who played with Beljan. "It sure didn't affect his golf. I heard him call for a paramedic on No. 9. Before the round, he said he was having a hard time breathing. Hopefully, the guy was all right."

lpga: Angela Stanford shot 5-under 67 for a two-stroke lead at 11-under 133 over Inbee Park (68) after the second round of the Lorena Ochoa Invitational at Guadalajara, Mexico. Ochoa, who retired in 2010, was 1 under after 72. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome (73) was at par. Tampa resident Kristy McPherson (74) was 1 over.

europe: Rain disrupted the Singapore Open for the second day, with half the field unable to start the second round. Chapchai Nirat and Simon Dyson shared a one-stroke lead at 6 under midway through the second round before play was halted. Rory McIlroy, trying to win the European and PGA Tour money titles in the same season, played 10 holes in the morning to finish Round 1 at 1-under 70, then went back out for the second. He was at par when his round was halted with six holes left. Phil Mickelson didn't play at all after opening with 73.

Bradley Schenk, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 9, 2012

NEW PORT RICHEY — Sunlake may not be going to the playoffs this season, but quarterback Josh Zifer and athlete Eddie Burgos both finished the season with more than 1,000 yards rushing after Friday night's 58-6 win over Gulf.

The seniors combined for eight touchdowns Friday.

Burgos got his night started with a 4-yard touchdown run. On the next two possessions Zifer found the end zone on runs of 9 and 19 yards to make it 23-0 in the first quarter for the Seahawks (8-2, 4-2).

To start the second, Burgos returned a punt 37 yards, then Zifer ran in from 19 yards out for his third touchdown. Burgos scored right before the half to make it 44-0. He finished the night with 139 yards on 10 carries.

With a running clock to start the second half, Zifer took off on runs of 27 and 32 yards, then finished the drive with a 3-yard TD run. Just before his final high school quarter, he scored on a 15-yard run. His final tally: 177 yards on 15 carries.

Gulf found a bit of success when sophomore quarterback Avery Welch came in and ran for 14 yards on two carries, then threw a perfect slant to Brennan Smiley for the Bucs' only score.

By Bryan Burns, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 9, 2012

PALM HARBOR — British golfer Laura Davies has amassed 81 victories and won four majors during her 28-year professional career. One of her favorite memories happened at Innisbrook in 1999.

That year, Davies, known for her prodigious drives, teamed with PGA Tour big hitter John Daly to capture the final mixed-team JCPenney Classic on Innisbrook's Copperhead Course.

Davies rolled in a 30-foot birdie putt on the third playoff hole to beat the pairing of Paul Azinger and Se Ri Pak for the championship. The tournament, which paired an LPGA pro with a PGA pro, was discontinued after that season.

"That was a huge moment for me, playing with John Daly and against so many great golfers," Davies said. "When you can go and win the tournament, it's icing on the cake."

Davies returns to Innisbrook this weekend, walking a few hundred paces over to the resort's Island Course, where she will join 43 colleagues at the LPGA Legends Tour's Open Championship.

Davies is making her debut on the tour for professionals 45 and older.

"It just worked out that this (tournament) was in a place I really liked," said Davies, 49, who needs one victory in a major or two regular LPGA Tour wins to enter the World Golf Hall of Fame. "I thought, 'Why not? Let's do it.' "

Tour president and CEO Jane Blalock said adding Davies to the roster, which includes Hall of Famers Pat Bradley, Nancy Lopez and Beth Daniel, gives extra credibility to the tour.

"She is a magical name," Blalock said. "Everyone knows Laura Davies. She's a personality, not just in the women's game but in the game of golf."

Davies' go-for-broke mentality and ebullient personality have long made her a fan favorite on the LPGA Tour, along with her ability to pack a wallop.

"I think people come out to watch her because she hits it so darn far," said Lopez, who shot 7 over at last year's Open Championship to tie for 11th. "She's a character. She's got personality. She's a great little player. I think for her to come play with us is great. I'm looking forward to seeing her. I haven't seen her for a while."

The two-day Open Championship, the longest-running and last stop on the Legend Tour's eight-event schedule, is a reunion of sorts for the game's greats.

Most players stay at Innisbrook rather than an outside hotel. They eat dinner with one another after their rounds and hang out at night to reminisce. This year is the fourth straight year the Open Championship is at Innisbrook.

"We're not playing for a huge amount of money," Daniel said. "It's more about seeing people and keeping in touch with one another."

Davies hasn't had a tournament victory in two years, her last coming at the Indian Open on the European Tour in 2010, capping a season in which she won five titles.

Davies is looking forward to catching up with others this weekend, too. But she'd rather snap the longest winless drought of her career.

"This tournament is more relaxed than the main tournaments with old friends getting back together," said Davies, who tees off at 11 this morning with Patty Sheehan. "But it's still competitive.

"You never lose that competitive edge when you get out on the course. I've been playing really well, not scoring well at the moment but playing well. Sometimes you just need that bit of luck at the right time."

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 9, 2012

Tonight

USF vs. UCF

When/where: 7 p.m.; Sun Dome, Tampa

TV/radio: BHSN; 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

Notable: It's a preview of the Big East next season when UCF comes on board; USF's nonconference schedule is bookended by tonight's home game and a Jan. 2 trip to UCF. The Bulls have won 10 of the past 12 in the series; UCF won the last meeting in 2010 in Orlando. The Bulls have a smaller, more uptempo look, but after getting outrebounded by Division II Eckerd on Monday, USF must be prepared for Knights senior Keith Clanton, who averaged a team-best 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. USF PG Anthony Collins has been limited by a calf injury so his new backup, junior Martino Brock, who had nine assists in the exhibition Monday, might play more.

Tonight

USF women vs. Stetson

When/where: 2 p.m., Sun Dome, Tampa

Radio: 1010-AM

Records: USF 0-0, Stetson 0-1.

Notable: Stetson played its opener Friday in Daytona Beach, committing 24 turnovers in a 77-75 loss to Hofstra. Both teams went to the Women's NIT last season, with Stetson going 23-11 and USF finishing 19-16; the Bulls won last year's meeting 77-62 in Tampa. USF gets a boost from the return of senior G Andrea Smith, who missed last season recovering from ACL surgery; the Bulls also return last year's top scorer in G Inga Orekhova, giving them two strong perimeter shooters. Stetson got 24 points from G Shanasa Sanders on Friday, and the Hatters have a local in senior F Janelle Mills of Wesley Chapel.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 9, 2012

ABOARD THE USS BATAAN — It was supposed to be a celebration of an American institution and a favorite pastime — the U.S. military and college basketball.

And for one half, it was.

But eventually, the one thing both Florida coach Billy Donovan and Georgetown coach John Thompson had expressed deep concern about before Friday night's Navy-Marine Corps Classic became reality.

With Florida leading 27-23 at halftime of the game played aboard the amphibious carrier USS Bataan at Mayport Naval Station near Jacksonville, the coaching staffs from both teams and the game's organizers agreed to not play the second half.

Extreme condensation on the makeshift court began in the first half, then worsened at halftime and as players warmed up before the second half was to start. The floor became too slippery to continue the game.

"It was slippery. I don't know where it came from," Florida senior guard Kenny Boynton said. "It was too slippery to play, for sure. I wish we could have finished. I'm definitely disappointed, but we've just got to regroup. We play Alabama State on Sunday, and we'll be ready. It was a great warmup."

An SEC official attending said the game will count as canceled and will not count in the standings for either team. Stats will also not be counted.

"Obviously we are very, very disappointed, ourself and Georgetown," Donovan told the crowd after the announcement the game would not continue. "We certainly want to play, but we don't want anybody hurt. We really, really appreciate everybody being out here supporting this event. If you were down here (on the court), you would have a realistic understanding of how slick it is and what kind of jeopardy these guys would be in."

The game was one of two on Naval ships Friday called off because of condensation. The Ohio State-Marquette game on the USS Yorktown off Charleston, S.C., was called earlier.

Both coaches in Jacksonville expressed concern about possible problems Thursday. Though there were a few slips early in the game, the issue became more serious later.

"I had no idea until we came out in the second half for warmups," Florida senior Erik Murphy said. "I didn't notice anything in the first half. I feel like playing helped make it bad, then the moisture gets worse as it gets later, I think."

Both coaches said they didn't want the cancellation to mar the spirit that was intended.

"I would like to say thank you to all the sailors for all you do for us, allowing us the freedom to play this game," Thompson said. "It's been an unbelievable experience, and the fact the game is ending doesn't take away from that."

"To our troops, men and women, we are very thankful," Donovan said. "This has been a great experience for our basketball team, and we appreciate everybody coming out."

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

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, November 9, 2012

USF women vs. Stetson

When/where: 2 p.m.; Sun Dome, Tampa

Radio: 1010-AM

Records: USF 0-0, Stetson 0-1

Notable: Stetson played its opener Friday in Daytona Beach, committing 24 turnovers in a 77-75 loss to Hofstra. Both teams went to the Women's NIT last season, with Stetson going 23-11 and USF finishing 19-16; the Bulls won last year's meeting 77-62 in Tampa. USF gets a boost from the return of senior G Andrea Smith, who missed last season recovering from ACL surgery; the Bulls also return last year's top scorer in G Inga Orekhova, giving them two strong perimeter shooters. Stetson got 24 points from G Shanasa Sanders on Friday, and the Hatters have a local player in senior F Janelle Mills of Wesley Chapel.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Joe Polito, Times Correspondent
Friday, November 9, 2012

LITHIA — Newsome pounced on Bloomingdale early and didn't let up.

Will Worth threw for 66 yards and two touchdowns on 7-of-8 passing and ran for 48 yards and a touchdown — all in the first half. Clint Carnell added 103 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries.

Bloomingdale couldn't combat the Wolves' big-play ability. Isaiah McIntyre went 15-of-26 for 174 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The Bulls' only score came on their last possession, when he hit Logan Crouse for 25 yards.

Newsome coach Kenneth Hiscock said his team had something to prove despite clinching a playoff berth a week prior.

"We got down early in the season," he said. "And … they came out hungry in practice every day, ready to play."

Joe Polito, Times correspondent