Quantcast
Channel: Cleveland Sports News
Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live

LeBron James, J.R. Smith, Kevin Love locked in as Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Hornets: DMan's Report, Game 77 (photos)

0
0

The Cleveland Cavaliers, behind strong performances from LeBron James, J.R. Smith and Kevin Love, turned back the Charlotte Hornets, 112-103, Sunday in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James, J.R. Smith and Kevin Love combined for 83 points, 22 rebounds and 19 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 112-103, Sunday afternoon at The Q. Kemba Walker scored 29 for the Hornets.

Here is a capsule look at the game, which was televised by Fox Sports Ohio:

Heating up again: The Cavs (55-22 overall, 32-7 at home) have won three in a row.

Cooled: The Hornets (44-32 overall, 16-21 on road) had won three straight -- albeit the second and third against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Hard to believe, but true: The Hornets lost despite making 26 of 27 foul shots (96.3 percent). The Cavs were 6-of-13 from the line (46.2 percent).

Lots to like: The Cavs secured their second consecutive quality victory. On Friday in Atlanta, in the end of a back-to-back, the Cavs toppled the Hawks, 110-108, in overtime.

The Hawks and Hornets are jostling with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat for spots 3-6 in the Eastern Conference playoff pool.

Against the Hawks, the Cavs squandered leads of 21 in the second quarter and 11 in the fourth quarter.

Against the Hornets, the Cavs led, 48-27, midway through the second quarter; 58-42 at halftime; 65-44 early in the third; and 86-71 after three. The Hornets rallied to within 96-92 with 4:25 left.

Obviously, the Cavs need to stop making it hard on themselves. Where the Hornets game was concerned, though, LeBron focused on the positives when speaking with Fox Sports Ohio reporter Allie Clifton on the court afterward.

"I think we played a really good game,'' King said. "We took a step forward once again....For the most part, I think we played exceptional basketball.''

LeBron also told Clifton: "If the playoffs started today, we'd be ready.''

LeBron had every right to be pleased, because the Cavs:

*Defeated a good team that has been playing well.

*Overcame the absence of point guard Kyrie Irving (right ankle).

*Played superb, playoff-caliber defense in the first half.

*Shot 54.2 percent from the field (45-of-83).

*Shot 55.2 percent from 3-point range (16-of-29).

*Notched 34 assists.

The Cavs' only glaring negative was 17 turnovers that cost 24 points. Unforced errors led to most of the turnovers.

Fun to watch: The Cavs did not fire up 3-pointers randomly and hope they went in. Most of the triples resulted from any combination of floor spacing, screens/plays and ball movement.

"When the ball is moving and the ball has energy, we're confident in shooting them,'' LeBron told Clifton.

The Cavs held a 21-point advantage from beyond the arc. Charlotte was 9-of-26.

Here is one Cleveland 3-pointer that stood out:

Iman Shumpert, Matthew Dellavedova and Love executed a play that enabled Love to roll to the basket and catch the pass from Shumpert. Delly's rub-screen on Cody Zeller had created space for Love.

Smith's man, Courtney Lee, was forced into the middle to help against Love, who alertly spotted Smith open on the right side and made a terrific pass. Smith's 3-pointer came in a big spot, stopping Charlotte's momentum and giving the Cavs a 99-92 lead with 4:10 left.

King on fire: LeBron amassed 31 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds and two steals in 41 minutes. He was 14-of-22 from the field and 3-of-3 from the line.

LeBron, coming off a fantastic March even for him, has opened April with two monster performances. Against the Hawks, he had 29 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists.

Among LeBron's countless attributes are his ability to read the game and to make teammates better. Both were on display in a two-minute span late in the fourth, when he and Delly used screen action to produce LeBron layup (3:27), LeBron alley-oop dunk (2:09) and LeBron layup (1:22).

Delly finished with nine assists.

J.R. locked in: Smith had 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal in 33 minutes. He was 10-of-16 from the field, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range, and 1-of-2 from the line.

Smith tied a season high for points. He had not scored 20+ since Feb. 8 against Sacramento (22).

Smith answered the call several times when the Cavs were starving for a basket.

Lovefest: Love went for 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one block in 32 minutes. He shot 10-of-18, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. He should have gone to the line at least once but a blatant Charlotte foul was not called.

Love had not made five 3-pointers in a game since Jan. 29 at Detroit (5-of-7). In his past five games, Love is 18-of-40 from beyond the arc.

Once again, Love and LeBron worked well together when running offense from the high post. Here is one example:

Credit Love with a veteran tap to lose Zeller.


It will be Corey Kluber vs. David Price in season opener for Cleveland Indians, Red Sox

0
0

Former Cy Young winners Corey Kluber and David Price will start the season opener Monday afternoon at Progressive Field for the Indians and Red Sox. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Corey Kluber and David Price won't be trying to get each other out on Monday afternoon when the Indians and Red Sox open the 2016 regular season at Progressive Field. There's no need because the pitchers don't bat in the American League.

That does not mean they won't be watching each other work. They each own the highest award a pitcher can win. Kluber won the AL Cy Young in 2014. Price won it in 2012 with Tampa Bay and finished second in the voting last year and in 2010.

Excellence at one's craft usually draws admirers who make their living in the same business. The fact that Kluber and Price are meeting Monday on opening day is a testament to their accomplishments.

Asked about Kluber, Price said, "He's the Klubot. He's like a machine out there. He doesn't get too high, he doesn't get too low. He keeps his emotions in check."

Kluber received the nickname "Klubot,' during his Cy Young year. It is not a nickname he's particularly fond of, but it's catchy and it's stuck.

"To have the ability that he has is pretty special," said Price. "He's a great pitcher. He's fun to watch. I just want to go out there and put up zeroes."

Price went 18-5 with a 2.45 ERA in 32 starts last year for Detroit and Toronto. He helped the Blue Jays reach the postseason for the first time since 1993 before becoming a free agent and signing the biggest contract for a pitcher in history ($217 million for seven years) with the Red Sox. Dave Dombrowski, head of Boston's baseball operations, knows a good thing when he sees it. Dombrowski, as general manager of the Tigers, acquired Price from Tampa Bay in 2014.

When asked about Price, Kluber said, "He never gives in. He goes out there and attacks guys on every single pitch. It's impressive to watch him.

"You know he's going to use his fastball a lot, he throws it so much, and he just over powers people with it."

Price struck out 225 batters in 220 1/3 innings last year. Kluber, 9-16 last year following his Cy Young season, struck out 245 in 222 innings.

As for the uniqueness of former Cy Young winners facing each other on opening day, Kluber took in the information, processed it and said, "Maybe it's a storyline before hand, but once the game starts it's not necessarily me vs. him."

The one thing Kluber and Price will have to deal with Monday will be the cold. The grounds crew was shoveling snow off the field Sunday morning so the teams could workout. Monday's forecast calls for rain or snow in the morning with a high temperature of 40 degrees and a low of 26.

"The cold can be a problem for a pitcher because you lose feeling in the tips of your fingers," said Indians bullpen coach Jason Bere, who pitched in the big leagues for 11 years. "You lose the feel on the ball just as you let it go."

Kluber and Price did not seem concerned.

"It doesn't really affect you one way or the other once you get out there," said Kluber. "You just get warm before you get out there so when you're on the mound you're hot.

"In between innings, you just put on a jacket. But once you're on the mound it's no big deal at all."

Said Price, "I'm going to be prepared to pitch Monday. If it gets postponed than so be it. I will go about my business today and Monday morning like I'm pitching Monday afternoon."

No matter what the weather, Price has enjoyed his games against the Indians. He's 9-2 with a 2.79 ERA in his career against them. In 86 innings he has 90 strikeouts against the Tribe.

Price said he's tried to find a reason for his success against the Tribe, but came empty.

"I know I've thrown the ball against the Indians," he said. "Hopefully, Monday I can do the same thing."

First baseman Mike Napoli has a good idea why Price has done well against his new team and a lot of other teams in the big leagues.

Napoli made an impression in spring training

"I've faced him a lot in the playoffs," said Napoli. "He's a great pitcher. He can manipulate the ball. He lives on the corners. He has good velocity and he's smart. He remembers how he got you out.

"It's going to be a tough day facing a guy like that."

Not to mention cold.

Why playoff teams should be afraid of the Cleveland Cavaliers

0
0

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a confident bunch and Chris Haynes explains why teams should be afraid of them.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -They were smaller than the rest of the kids, skinnier than most, but had an edge, a confidence and a fearfulness about them that terrified folks.

Everyone probably knew someone like this growing up, somebody you never wished to cross.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are that person.

It doesn't matter that they've stumbled of late by almost blowing three 20-point leads in the last four games. Fortunately for them, they came away with a 2-1 record. It's irrelevant that all season long they've continued to leave the door open for the opposition instead of slamming it in their faces.

With those mishaps, how does this team insist that you mention them with the elite? Because just like that short, skinny kid, they're intimidating. The Cavaliers are crazy enough that they don't know any better.

They're dangerous.

"Whenever you have LeBron [James], Kyrie [Irving] and K-Love on your team, a lot of teams are going to be licking their chops even if their record might be better," Cavs big man Tristan Thompson told cleveland.com. "When you still have three All-Stars like that, you're still a threat. We just have to keep on getting better and getting ready for the postseason."

When it's put-up-or-shut-up time, the Cavaliers believe they've got the muzzle to silence challengers. In a league where the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are clearly the cream of the crop, the reigning Eastern Conference champions refuse to take a backseat.

Kyrie Irving said last week that the Cavaliers are "the team to beat." The team as a whole believes that, and it's because of No. 23. If you have LeBron James, you'll always have a chance. He's the human muzzle.

Those close to the four-time MVP tell cleveland.com that recently he said he's feeling the best he's ever felt at any point in his career. That speaks volumes. As dominant as he's been, he also claims he has another level in store for the postseason.

His teammates have observed his newfound quiet disposition and the way his demeanor has gone from upbeat and loud to stoic and humorless. While it may have caused some to walk on eggshells initially, it has since organically produced self-assurance within the locker room as the Cavs go for a championship.

But what's the difference between the Cavaliers' confidence level and other NBA teams?

"I can't speak on everybody else, I just know the work that we put into it on a day-to-day basis and then when you get out on the floor, it's easy," James said. "I think the game is always easier for me than actually watching film and practicing, because you put so much work into it and it should just be free-flowing once you get out on the floor. So for us, we put a lot of work into it and it gives us the confidence that we know we can go out and execute and do our job."

Last season, Cleveland entered the playoffs with the best record in the league since the Jan. 15 mark. With a new head coach in Tyronn Lue, these last few months have been about experimentation and adjustments. That's not ideal this late in the season, but it was necessary.

Something about this team is off in many facets, but something about the Cavs forces you to not count them out. No team realistically wants to face them. Their flaws are noticeable, but their strengths are frightening. They won't be bullied.

Regardless of the outcome, this team will fight and won't back down and that's makes them just like that little kid: scary.

"If it (playoffs) started tomorrow, we'd be ready to go," James said confidently.

Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox preview, pitching matchups

0
0

The Indians and Red Sox open the 2016 season on Monday afternoon at Progressive Field. They will conclude the three-game series on Wednesday and Thursday night. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Here is a preview of the Indians season opening series against Boston at Progressive Field.

When: Monday through Thursday.

TV/Radio: Fox-SportsTime Ohio will carry the series. WKYC-Ch.3 will carry Monday's game. WTAM/1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the series[?]

Pitching matchups: LHP David Price (18-5, 2.45) vs. RHP Corey Kluber (9-16, 3.49) Monday at 4:10 p.m.; RHP Clay Buchholz (7-7, 3.26) vs. RHP Carlos Carrasco (14-12, 3.63) Wednesday at 6:10 p.m. and RHP Joe Kelly (10-6, 4.82) vs. RHP Danny Salazar (14-10, 3.45) Thursday at 6:10 p.m. (Pitchers' records are from last year).

Series: The Indians went 4-2 against Boston last year. They lead overall, 1,034-973.

Red Sox update: Boston went 14-18 in the Grapefruit League season. Price is 9-2 lifetime against the Indians. Last year he went 2-1 against them with 30 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings. Travis Shaw hit .435 (10-for-23) with two homers and three RBI against the Indians last year.

Indians update: They just finished an 18-12-4 run in the Cactus League. Kluber went 1-1 with 18 strikeouts in 14 innings against Boston last season. Carlos Santana hit .318 (7-for-22) with two homers and five RBI against the Red Sox last year.

Injuries: Red Sox - LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (right knee), RHP Carson Smith (right flexor muscle), C Christian Vazquez (right elbow) and RHP Brandon Workman (right elbow) are on the DL. Indians - LF Michael Brantley (right shoulder) and RF Lonnie Chisenhall (right forearm, left wrist) are on the disabled list.

Next: The Indians open a six-game trip with a three-game series against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on Friday at 4:10 p.m.

Cavaliers change defensively without Kyrie Irving and why LeBron James tweaked free-throw routine: Fedor's five observations

0
0

As the Cleveland Cavaliers approach the regular season finish line, their path is littered with potential playoff teams.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As the Cleveland Cavaliers approach the regular season finish line, their path is littered with potential playoff teams.

In the last two games, both against East threats, the Cavaliers sent a powerful reminder that the road to the NBA Finals still goes through Cleveland -- in case anyone out there had a differing viewpoint.

"We've played against some really good teams that's been hot as of late as far as the Hawks and also this team tonight," LeBron James said after flirting with another triple-double. "Tonight was basically like three games back to back to back. I mean, it's three games in three and a half days. We played an eight o'clock game which went into overtime. We got back at three o'clock in the morning and we played today at 3:30. So for us to even have the energy, the way we played today, and go out and execute the way we did, 30-plus assists, it's exceptional basketball."

On Sunday afternoon, the Hornets entered with plenty of confidence. They had won seven of nine games and vaulted to the No. 3 seed in the conference. A number of Charlotte players and staff members gathered the night before to watch the Detroit Pistons top the Chicago Bulls, which led to Charlotte clinching a playoff berth after missing out on the postseason party last year.

The playoff-bound Hornets were no match. 

Buzzing with good vibes, the Hornets got off to a strong start, going toe-to-toe with the East's top team for nearly six minutes. The Cavs took the lead at the 5:47 mark of the first quarter and never relinquished it, leading for nearly 42 of the 48 minutes.

Here are five observations following the 112-103 win:

No Kyrie, no problem - I won't get too carried away about how the Cavaliers played without Kyrie Irving on Sunday afternoon because Irving was part of the Cavs' impressive performance Friday night against Atlanta and they wouldn't have won the game without his clutch free-throw shooting. Plus, he's been in the lineup for plenty of quality wins and the Cavs' best lineup statistically speaking has included him, according to NBA.com. 

This won't be a debate or a breakdown of how the Cavs are better without Irving. There's a difference between better and, well, different.

The numbers back up the ball moving more and the assist totals increasing. Still, the biggest change for the Cavs sans Irving is on the defensive end of the floor.

In the 29 games without Irving (yes, I'm counting the Oklahoma City bed-bug game where the point guard played nine minutes), the Cavs are allowing 96.0 points on 1045-of-2382 (43.8 percent) from the field.

Extrapolate those numbers over the course of the season and the Cavs would rank second in points allowed and fifth in opponent's field goal percentage -- a number the Cavs value greatly.

In the 48 games with Irving (not counting the Thunder game), the Cavs are allowing 99.2 points, which would rank seventh in the NBA. The opponent's offensive rating is 107.3 with Irving on the court. It drops to 102.1 with him on the sidelines.

So what does this mean? Are the Cavs better without Irving?

No. There are always challenges with three All-Stars and there are spurts where the team will flow offensively with one of them out. It's more natural and it's easier to distribute the looks. The ball is in James' hands more and Love is used a lot like he was in Minnesota.

All of that helps explain the offensive showing against the Hornets, as Kevin Love poured in 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting. 

But the Cavs still need Irving.

His offense creates headaches for the opponent. Just ask Charlotte head coach Steve Clifford, who let out a noticeable sigh of relief when I asked him pregame about Irving not playing. 

"Ooo," Clifford said. "I mean, they're still very good, but he's one of the better point guards in league so from his transition game, his pick-and-roll game, his ability to create off the dribble, you're taking a guy with potential for a big night every time he steps on the floor out of the game. We lost to them early in the year in Charlotte and he didn't play. Certainly they have enough other weapons for a day. Whenever you lose a really good player it's not going to be one of two days, if you have to do that over a long period of time you usually see the difference." 

It's that potential, the threat Irving brings and the attention he draws that sometimes doesn't show up in the stats. 

No matter how good Dellavedova has been, Irving's going to get a large chunk of minutes in the postseason and will remain the starter. The hope is that Irving's brilliance on offense can overcome an obvious step back on the other end of the court. 

There will be times when Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue leans on a defensive-minded group and Irving will be a spectator. 

But overall, the Cavs aren't better without him. They're just different.

Perhaps we can revisit the conversation in the off-season when there could be a better solution than playing Dellavedova gobs of minutes.

Didn't we see that in the Finals already?

Forcing turnovers - Lue was asked about Charlotte's rise before the game. He pointed to two areas: three-point shooting and turnovers.

The Hornets entered the game No. 1 in terms of protecting the ball, only committing 11.9 turnovers per game. The Cavs' hustling defense forced 15 miscues, including a combined nine from Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lin.

"We just try to disrupt everyone we're going against," James said after the game. "Obviously we know with Kemba and Jeremy Lin and (Nicolas) Batum they're going to do a lot of the ball handling. We just try to put a lot of pressure on them and get them out of their comfort zone, try to get some high hands when they pass the ball, some low hands when they throw bounce passes and then live with the results. Tonight Delly, Shump, J.R. did a great job on the perimeter and everybody else fell into place."

The Cavs used their defense to fuel the other end, scoring 20 points off the miscues and taking advantage of a few transition opportunities.

"I think just changing up the coverages," Lue said of the defensive plan. "Not showing the same diet of the same thing, defensively. I thought our guards did a good job of trying to get into their bodies. Our bigs were up. Our bigs were showing a lot. They did a great job also."

Containing Kemba late - The Hornets' point guard is the top name on the scouting report and he drew plenty of attention.

The Cavs crowded him and made things difficult in the first half. Walker had a quiet eight points on 3-of-7 from the field. He also had two turnovers.

But Walker erupted in the third quarter, scoring 15 of his 29 points on 4-of-6 from the field, including 6-of-6 from the free throw line.

He was confident and in attack mode, as the Cavs surrendered 29 points in the quarter.

Then things changed again in the fourth.

"We started showing a little bit, we tried to blitz a little bit," Lue said. "We just tried to mix it up on them. Any time a great player like that has a steady diet of the same coverage, they kind of get going and he got going in that third quarter and early in that fourth and then we just kind of mixed it up on him."

Walker, who played the entire second half, scored six points on 2-of-6 from the field and only got to the free throw line twice in the final period.

"He's having a great season and he's a tough cover," Dellavedova said. "He's a team cover so just tried to stick with the gameplan and try to wear him down. It's tough to do that."

Cleaning the glass - Plenty of attention has been paid to Cleveland's recent offensive surge. But Clifford pointed to an oft-overlooked area that continues to measure its success.

"The biggest factor at the end of it was the rebounding," Clifford said. "If you look at the one time we beat them, we outrebounded them. The three other times, they've had their way with us on the glass.

"We had two possessions that stand out, both in the fourth quarter, where good possessions (we would) get a stop and we'd get outworked for a rebound. So to beat them in a game, or especially in a series, you're going to have to rebound with them. Everybody looks at all the other things they do, but that's what will be the toughest thing for somebody in a series -- their physicality and their size."

The Cavs outrebounded Charlotte, 46-35, including, 15-11, on the offensive end. 

On the season, they rank seventh in total rebounding, 11th in offensive rebounding and fourth in rebounding differential. 

Step is gone - Notice anything different with James lately? Besides the fact that he is sprinting toward the postseason and not causing a ruckus on social media? 

His free throw routine has changed -- again.

Since early November, as James was searching for more consistency at the stripe, the four-time MVP took a noticeable step back on his free throws.

"I started watching film again when I shot the ball really well from the free-throw line three years ago when I was in Miami," James said a few months ago, explaining the foul-line mechanics.

"I was shooting like 85 percent for that four weeks and I looked very comfortable. I remembered it, I watched it on film and that's what I went back to."

Well, the rocker step is gone, something I noticed during Thursday's game against Brooklyn at The Q. I asked James privately about his adjustment following Sunday's win. 

I first questioned when he made the change. He said he couldn't remember.

After some video research, it appears that James' rock step was eliminated following the game against the New York Knicks last weekend. He used it that day in New York and sat out against the Rockets Tuesday night. By Thursday against the Nets, James was using a different routine.

James went 8-10 from the charity stripe against Brooklyn. The next night against Atlanta, he canned four of his five attempts. He made all three against Charlotte on Sunday.

Three dribbles, spin the ball from right to left, sight the rim, bend and shoot. That's James' new way. Since making the change, he's 15-of-18 (83.3 percent).

On the season, he is shooting 72.7 percent. For his career, he's 74.4 percent. 

The new routine provides just a small sample size (three games) and could be gone in a blink, but it's tough to argue with the results thus far.

"Just a feel thing," James told me when asked why he changed. "I get like that sometimes. I felt like it."

James has tinkered with his free-throw routine his entire career, which could be the primary problem. The key is finding something consistent, something that works. That's usually the best approach -- at least according to a few coaches that spoke with our Joe Vardon a few months ago. 

LeBron James' former shooting coach notices changes

Ohio State's Joey Bosa in the 2016 NFL Draft: When did our Buckeyes experts ring the bell?

0
0

Mock drafts have Bosa between No. 4 and No. 9. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Picking Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 NFL Draft with general managers Doug Lesmerises, Ari Wasserman and Bill Landis.

Mock drafts are everywhere. We just know Ohio State.

So Ari, Bill and I sat down to decide where we'd draft 14 top Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 NFL Draft. We went against each other to add a little pressure to the moment, rather than just theorizing about potential landing spots.

You like a guy? You better pick him before the other guy on the beat does.

We started with Joey Bosa, the junior defensive end and two-time All-American who was talked about as a potential overall No. 1 pick when he declared for the draft. There's still a lot of talk about Bosa at the top.

Where mock drafts have Bosa: Between No. 4 and No. 9, though most have him No. 4 to the Dallas Cowboys.

Joey Bosa in mock drafts

Where did we pick him? Watch the video to see when we rang the bell on Bosa and which one of us drafted him and why.

Then vote on how you think we did as general managers. Did we take Bosa too soon, wait too long or draft him at just the right spot?


Next up Tuesday: Ezekiel Elliott

Joey Bosa NFL Draft capsule

Bosa on breeding the next generation

Experts analyze Bosa's combine

Bosa's stock and Ohio State's Pro Day

Panama Papers name international soccer stars, FIFA ethics committee member

0
0

U.S. racketeering defendants in an international soccer scandal set up offshore accounts through a Panamanian law firm, documents from the Panama Papers show.

WASHINGTON - Several defendants facing U.S. racketeering and bribery charges in an international soccer scandal are among the clients of a Panamanian law firm that set up offshore accounts to conceal assets, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealed Sunday.

Leaked documents from the Mossack Fonseca law firm - known as the Panama Papers - also exposed dealings between three of the indicted men and a member of the soccer organization's independent ethics committee.

The revelations are the latest blow to the scandal-plagued Federation Internationale de Football Association, more popularly known as FIFA. Last year, the U.S. Justice Department accused  16 FIFA officials of collecting millions of dollars in bribes for dispensing media and marketing rights for tournaments.

U.S. prosecutors did the soccer world a huge service - The Business: editorial

Sunday's leaks also revealed that the Mossack Fonseca law firm also set up offshore shelters for star soccer players.

They include Barcelona's Lionel Messi, a five-time world player of the year, who has already been indicted by Spanish law enforcement officials for using offshore companies in Uruguay and Belize to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes.

Britain Soccer Premier LeagueLeicester's Leonardo Ulloa is one of the international soccer stars who set up tax shelters through a Panamanian law firm.  

Other international soccer players who the investigation says employed international tax havens include:

The member of FIFA's ethics committee who did legal work for three people indicted in the scandal is Juan Pedro Damiani, president of Uruguay's Club Atletico Penarol. He told reporters his law firm does not maintain "any professional relationship" with anyone indicted in the U.S. FIFA investigation, but did not address whether it had any prior working relationship with them.

Although the Panama Papers don't show that Damiani or his law firm did anything illegal, FIFA's ethics committee immediately launched an inquiry into his activities, telling The Guardian that he didn't tell the ethics committee about his business ties to the defendants until reporters confronted him about them.

The documents obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists showed Damiani and his law firm did work for at least seven offshore companies linked to former FIFA Vice President Eugenio Figueredo, also from Uruguay. U.S. law enforcement authorities have charged Figueredo with taking bribes worth millions of dollars from an Uruguayan sports marketing company and with submitting forged medical reports when he applied for U.S. citizenship.

Damiani and his firm also served as an intermediary for a Nevada-based company linked to Hugo and Mariano Jinkis, a father-son team of Argentinian businessmen whom the Justice Department has charged with paying tens of millions of dollars in bribes to secure broadcast rights to Latin American FIFA events.

 

Trevor Bauer on his new bullpen role: 'As long as the team wins, it's fine'

0
0

If Trevor Bauer's new assignment translates into Indians victories, the right-hander can live with life in the bullpen.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If Trevor Bauer's new assignment translates into Indians victories, the right-hander can live with life in the bullpen.

At least, that's the message he's pushing.

"As long as the team wins, it's fine," Bauer said.

In fact, he said that a lot.

When asked how he took the news last week that he was being reassigned to a relief role, Bauer replied: "As long as the team wins, it's good."

When asked how the hurler would alter his warmup routine, Bauer replied: "I don't think that really matters. As long as the team wins, it's good." 

When asked about manager Terry Francona's message upon delivering the news, Bauer said: "That's something that stays in the clubhouse. As long as the team wins, it's good."

It remains to be seen how Bauer will contribute to these "team wins" (or losses). The Indians are carrying eight relievers, including seven who throw the ball with their right hand. Cody Anderson and Josh Tomlin claimed the last two spots in the Indians' rotation. Francona and president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti have said they expect Bauer to start games at some point this season, but it is unknown how that will fall into place, if it ever does.

"We still expect him to make a meaningful number of starts for us this year," Antonetti said last week upon making the decision. "When that happens, we're not exactly sure. He's going to be a big part of our team. It'll just start in the bullpen."

On days he starts, Bauer's pregame routine is detailed and involved and includes a session of long toss that spans the width of the outfield. Repeating that schedule might prove to be a bit tricky from a relief role with a game going on.

Bauer posted a 2.14 ERA this spring. In 21 innings, he walked five and he struck out 20. He said he felt as though he accomplished everything he set out to do, including boosting the velocity of his cutter.

Last season, the California native logged a 4.55 ERA, with 170 strikeouts and a league-high 79 walks in 176 innings. After the All-Star break, as Anderson and Tomlin established their footing on the roster, Bauer compiled a 3-7 record and 5.73 ERA in 14 outings.

He even made one relief appearance in September, as he found himself as the odd man out when the Indians boasted six capable starters late in the season. He is in the same situation now.

"Ultimately, it's, go out there and perform and get a win," Bauer said. "As long as the team wins, it's good."


Boys basketball All-Stars 2016: East Tech's Markell Johnson is Player of the Year; see more honors (photos, video)

0
0

Read up on Markell Johnson's season, which earned him cleveland.com's boys basketball Player of the Year award, plus the rest of the first team, coach of the year and honorable mentions. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - East Tech junior Markell Johnson is the cleveland.com Player of the Year for the 2015-16 boys basketball season.

The following includes a Q&A with Johnson, the first-team all-stars, coach of the year and honorable mention - to round out cleveland.com's list of top 30 players.

Get to know the 2015-16 cleveland.com boys basketball All-StarsPlayer of the Year: Markell Johnson, East Tech

As a freshman, Johnson showed the moment wasn't too big for him with a last-second 3-pointer that won East Tech a regional championship at Cleveland State.

The ride since then remained a remarkable one.

This season alone, Johnson led the Scarabs to a third straight Senate League title while earning All-Ohio Player of the Year honors in Division II.

East Tech finished 21-4 with 15 straight wins before an overtime loss to Central Catholic in the district semifinals. Johnson had multiple 40-point games, including 49 in the Senate League title game that required him to score all 16 of the Scarabs' fourth-quarter points in a 68-65 win.

"He's a phenomenal talent, and I'm blessed as a coach to coach a player of that caliber," East Tech's Brett Moore said then. "Everything he has coming to him in the future, he worked for that."

All signs point to Johnson leaving for college and bypassing a senior season at East Tech. He is on pace to graduate this year, and a return next season would require the school to seek OHSAA approval for an additional semester of athletic eligibility.

About a dozen Division I colleges have offered scholarships to Johnson, and more could call. The junior announced in late March he is re-opening his recruitment, wiping away a top five of Ohio State, Cleveland State, Louisville, North Carolina State and Virginia Tech. Johnson said a high number of college transfers spurred his decision.

Here is more from the cleveland.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Question: Looking back on this season, what stands out to you?

Answer: We had a lot of doubters that we weren't going to make it as far as we did, playing Central Catholic, saying that I was the only person on the team. My teammates helped me a lot this year. None of this would have happened without my teammates and my coach.

Q: That came up during your third straight Senate League title win. How gratifying was your teammates' growth?

A: It was just good for me because I'm getting ready to go to college very soon, so me having to take a bigger role with leadership, helping them grow, helping them getting better during the season, it helped me mature a lot.

Q: Speaking of college, you've received a lot of offers. What have you learned and what has this experience been like?

A: It's a good experience, but it's also kind of annoying with all of these coaches calling you any time of the day and texting you (UNLV called coach Brett Moore as Johnson explained this). It's stressful.

Q: Are you looking forward to getting it over with?

A: I want to very soon. I don't know if that's going to happen.

Q: Anything that's surprised you on the recruiting trail?

A: When a lot of schools that I haven't talked to offer me for the first time; that surprises me a lot. Once all of the offers came in, I just had to keep grinding and work harder and harder.

Q: How many offers have you received?

A: I think 12 or 13.

Q: Is it still surreal?

A: Yeah, I remember I didn't have any offers my freshman year. Going into my sophomore year, I had two offers - I had Cleveland State and D-II Notre Dame.

Q: What do college coaches say to you?

A: All of the coaches say basically the same stuff - stay on top of my grades, keep getting better and don't get complacent. Of course they all want me there, so they say little stuff about the campus. But I have to go see everything for myself.

Q: What's important to you with these potential schools?

A: I'm big on relationships, so I want to not only build a basketball relationship with my coach but a relationship where I can talk to him like he's one of my friends.

Q: What do you want for a major?

A: I want to major in business management now. It was sports management. After basketball, I can do a lot.

Q: Away from the court, what do you like to do?

A: I like to sleep a lot.

Q: What's your second-best sport?

A: Baseball.

Q: What's your worst sport?

A: Football. It was flag football. No tackling.

Q: What's your favorite subject?

A: Math. (Moore is his teacher). I've had him for one year, but it's felt like two years, though.

Q: You volunteer with the Special Olympics. How did that happen?

A: Miss Black, one of my teachers, she helped me with it. She told me it would look good on my resume.

Q: What have you taken from the experience?

A: You've got to be disciplined. There's a lot of stuff.

Q: Think it's helped you become a better leader?

A: Yes.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Markell Johnson, East Tech

Height: 6-1

Year: Junior

Position: Guard

This season: The Associated Press named Johnson its All-Ohio Player of the Year for Division II, an honor he shared with fellow cleveland.com first-team player Henry Baddley of St. Vincent-St. Mary and New Concord John Glenn's Drew Rackley. Johnson's numbers set him apart: 31.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.1 blocks.

ALL-STARS

Henry Baddley, St. Vincent-St. Mary

Height: 6-5

Year: Senior

Position: Guard/Forward

This season: STVM reached the state championship game for the first time since Baddley's freshman season. With him leading the way, it took a John Glenn team that was unbeaten in Ohio to deny Baddley and Co. The Butler recruit averaged 19.0 points and shared The Associated Press' All-Ohio Division II Player of the Year award between Baddley, East Tech's Johnson and John Glenn's Drew Rackley. STVM finished 26-4.

Tervell Beck, Central Catholic

Height: 6-8

Year: Senior

Position: Forward

This season: An All-Ohio first-team player in Division II, Beck averaged 22.8 points and led the Ironmen to the Stow District final. Some of his biggest games came against Central Catholic's toughest foes - 31 vs. Benedictine, 34 vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary, 33 vs. St. Ignatius. Beck had a season-high 36 in a narrow road win at Elyria Catholic. A year after helping the Ironmen to the state title game, Beck is now sifting through college options with interest from Division I schools. Beck's next coach will be his fourth - not counting AAU - in five years. "He went through so many ups and downs with coaching changes in his career," Central Catholic coach Jordan Duke said. "He's been through a lot in basketball and outside of basketball. He's a warrior."

Frankie Hughes, Garfield Heights

Height: 6-5

Year: Senior

Position: Guard

This season: Hughes' college recruitment re-opened in late March when he and Louisville agreed to part ways. Here is what his new school will get - a tall, athletic shooter who averaged 19.0 points and 5.0 rebounds while helping the Bulldogs (23-5) return to the Division I state semifinals. He made the All-Ohio first-team.

Willie Jackson, Garfield Heights

Height: 6-6

Year: Senior

Position: Forward

This season: Jackson likens himself as one of the top rebounders in the country. He gets a chance to prove that at Missouri, where he committed last September. This season, he averaged 21.0 points and 14.0 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Jackson made first-team All-Ohio a year after receiving a second-team nod.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jared Shetzer, Bay 

This season: Bay made school history with its first Division II state semifinal appearance. Shetzer has improved the Rockets' win total in each of his three seasons from 10 to 16 to 24. The best season in school history also included senior John Koz taking over its all-time scoring record. Shetzer said, "This is the best team in school history. I couldn't ask for more." St. Edward's Eric Flannery and Benedictine's Rob Stircula also were considered finalists this season.

HONORABLE MENTION (Players six through 30)

Da'viere Andrews, Lorain, Sr., G; Nazihar Bohannon, Lorain, Jr., F; Michael Bothwell, Cornerstone Christian, So., G; Dwayne Cohill, Holy Name, So., G; Matt Davet, St. Ignatius, Jr., F/C; Sherman Dean III, VASJ, Sr., G; Jordan Fabry, Crestwood, Jr., F; Sean Flannery, St. Edward, Sr., G; Blake Furcron, Elyria, Sr., G; A.J. Gareri, Elliet, Jr., F/C; Tyrone Gibson, Beachwood, Sr., G; Jayvon Graves, STVM, Jr., G; Christian Guess, Glenville, So., F; Maishe Dailey, Beachwood, Sr., G; John Koz, Bay, Sr., G; Justin Layne, Benedictine, Sr., G; Andy Lucien, North Olmsted, Sr., F; Larnell Nealy, Copley, Sr., G; Mitch Peterson, Walsh Jesuit, Sr., G; Lamont Rhodes, Bedford, Sr., F; Tommy Schmock, St. Edward, Jr., G; Deven Stover, St. Ignatius, Sr., G/F; Jon Teske, Medina, Sr., C; John Williams, STVM, Jr., G; Austen Yarian, St. Ignatius, Jr., F.

Olympic Wrestling Trials 2016 TV, schedule, previews

0
0

The 2016 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials TV schedule, event schedule, previews and more for the Rio Summer Olympics qualifier Saturday and Sunday in Iowa City, Iowa. Ohio State world champion Kyle Snyder and Olympic champs Jordan Burroughs and Jake Varner are headliners.

IOWA CITY, IOWA - The U.S. Olympic Wresting Trials will be broadcast by NBCSN on Saturday and Sunday, once again putting Ohio State sophomore Kyle Snyder in the national spotlight.

Also headlining the event are reigning Olympic champions Jordan Burroughs and Jake Varner, three-time world champion Adeline Gray and and a large contingent of Ohioans.

Varner and Snyder, the reigning world and NCAA champion, will battle at 213 pounds.

NBCSN is to provide five hours of coverage of the finals in men's and women's freestyle and men's Greco-Roman wrestling.

Below are the event schedule, TV schedule and links to previews and more.

2016 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials

Where: University of Iowa Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, Iowa.

Website: www.iowacitytorio.com

TV schedule

NBCSN

Saturday, 7-9:30 p.m.

Sunday, 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. (tape delay, following NHL coverage).

Note: There will not be a live stream.

Live brackets: TrackWrestling.com

Event schedule

(All times Eastern)

Saturday

Men's freestyle (65 kg and 125 kg)
Women's freestyle (58 kg, 63 kg and 69 kg)
Greco-Roman (59 kg, 66 kg, 85 kg and 98 kg)
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Preliminaries through Challenge Tournament finals
7-10:00 p.m. - Best two of three Championship Series

Sunday
Men's freestyle (57 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, 97 kg)
Women's freestyle (48 kg, 53 kg, 75 kg)
Greco-Roman (75 kg and 130 kg)
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Preliminaries through Challenge Tournament finals
7-10:00 p.m. - Best two of three Championship Series.

Qualifiers: Click here

Ohio qualifiers

Sarah Allen, women, 48 kg - lives in Huber Heights, attended Wayne High School
J.D. Bergman, freestyle, 97 kg - lives in Columbus, attended Ohio State, attended Oak Harbor High School
Tervel Dlagnev, freestyle, 125 kg - lives in Columbus
Orry Elor, Greco-Roman, 98 kg - attended Ohio State
Hanna Hall, women, 75 kg - lives in Doylestown, attended Doylestown Chippewa High School
Shelby Hall, women, 58 kg - lives in Doylestown, attended Doylestown Chippewa High School
Dean Heil, freestyle 65 kg - lives in Brunswick, attended St. Edward High School
Reece Humphrey, freestyle, 60 kg - lives in Columbus, attended Ohio State
Jacob Kasper, Greco-Roman, 98 kg - lives in Lexington, attended Lexington High School
Dustin Kilgore, freestyle, 97 kg -attended Kent State, attended Berea High School
Justin Lester, Greco-Roman, 75 kg - attended Cuyuhoga Valley Christian Academy, Akron native
Lauren Louive, women, 58 kg - attended Massillon Washington High School
Myles Martin, freestyle, 86 kg - attends Ohio State
Kyle Snyder,freestyle, 97 kg - attends Ohio State
Logan Stieber, freestyle 65 kg - lives in Columbus, attended Ohio State, attended Monroeville High School
David Taylor, freestyle 86 kg -attended St. Paris Graham High School
Nathan Tomasello, freestyle, 57 kg - lives in Parma, attends Ohio State, attended Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy
Nikko Triggas, Greco-Roman, 59 kg - attended Ohio State
Alesha Zappitella, women, 48 kg - attended Conneaut High School

USA Wrestling weight class previews

Men's freestyle

57 kg/126 pounds

65 kg/143 pounds

74 kg/163 pounds

86 kg/189 pounds

97kg/213 pounds (not yet posted)

125 kg/275 pounds (not yet posted)

Women's freestyle

48 kg/106 pounds

53 kg/117 pounds

58 kg/ 128 pounds

63/139 pounds

69 kg/ pounds (not yet posted)

75 kg/ pounds (not yet posted)

Greco-Roman

59 kg/130 pounds

66 kg/146 pounds

75kg/165 pounds

85 kg/187 pounds

98 kg/215 pounds

130 kg/286 pounds (not yet posted)

Cleveland Indians' Terry Francona, Mike Napoli appreciate career of David Ortiz

0
0

The Indians will honor Boston slugger David Ortiz before Thursday's game at Progressive Field. Ortiz, 40, announced in November that this would be his last season. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - On Thursday the Indians will open the David Ortiz Farewell Tour when they honor the retiring Boston DH before the game.

Manager Terry Francona and first baseman Mike Napoli know Ortiz well. Francona managed him for eight years in Boston. Napoli was his teammate from 2013 until he was traded during last season.

"I know what David has meant to Boston," said Francona. "Some guys kind of shrink in that atmosphere, he just blossomed. It brought out his true personality and he embraced it.

"He's been through a lot there. He's certainly the face of the Red Sox, or one of them, and maybe the face of baseball. He's got that big smile so when someone walks in a room he can disarm you just like that. I don't care who you are.

"He's a big Teddy Bear."

When the Indians and Red Sox open the season Tuesday following the postponement of Monday's opener because of cold, it will be Ortiz's 12th opening day start with the Red Sox. He helped Francona win World Series titles in 2004 and 2007. In 2013 he helped Boston win another World Series title with Napoli as a teammate.

On Nov. 18, Ortiz, 40, announced that this would be his last season.

"I think, all things considered because it is his last year, he should take the next three days off and just enjoy Cleveland," said Francona with a smile. "We'll honor him at home plate, but he just won't play."

Boston signed Ortiz on Dec. 16, 2002 after the Twins released him. Minnesota GM Terry Ryan still regrets that move. In his career in Boston, Ortiz is a .288 (1,910-for-6, 626) hitter with 445 homers and 1,403 RBI. He's hit 503 homers in his career.

"Early on I realized real quick that you could go to him if you needed to get something done," said Francona. "That's really important. We had a lot of guys like that.

"David transcends language, color and things like that. If you were in his uniform, that's what mattered. That meant a lot to me. We went through a lot - some good, some tough. I pinch hit for him one year and that was hard for him because he's a proud man. It was hard for me, but we fought through it. "

In 2013, Napoli hit .259 (129-for-498) with 23 homers and 92 RBI. Ortiz hit .309 (160-for-518) with 30 homers and 103 RBI. The Red Sox beat the Cardinals to win the World Series.

"Being able to play with David for three years was pretty special for me," said Napoli. "To be able to pick his brain, to actually see him on a daily basis and how he goes about his business was pretty special. He's done a lot in this game. He's definitely one of the better teams that I've had."

As for how visiting fans should treat Ortiz as he makes his way through his final season, Napoli said, "Personally, I think he's a Hall of Famer. I think he deserves to get all that special treatment, that farewell tour. He's been a big part of this game. He's done things in this game that coming into the game you'd like to do."

Michael Reghi is riled up about trading Joe Thomas

0
0

Reghi says the Browns need to move the veteran left tackle and get what they can for him. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Veteran left tackle will be returning to a very different locker room this week when the Browns resume their offseason activities. Thomas, a nine-time Pro Bowler and surefire Hall-of-Famer some day, could still bring value to the Browns if they decided to trade him. Should they?

Michael Reghi believes they should, making the case that, by the time they are near contention, Thomas will be in his mid-30s and will be significantly less valuable. Watch the video above to see Reghi make his case.

Chatting Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA with Chris Haynes

0
0

Chris Haynes holds a chat with all NBA-related questions being fair game.

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin -It's been a while so let's get it started at 6:20 p.m. All NBA-related questions are fair game.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on their final road trip of the season. How will they fare? Are they ready for the postseason? Are they locks to represent the East in The Finals? Ask away now.

LeBron James and his constantly changing habits

0
0

LeBron James often changes his own behavior, which explains some otherwise peculiar episodes he's had with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron James' longer game shorts, Nike sweats are a window to his soul (video)

0
0

In Joe Vardon's latest video column, he looks at LeBron James' evolving game shorts and pre-game style choices and explains why they help understand the NBA's biggest star. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Remember when LeBron James was wearing noticeably shorter game shorts?

Or when he told cleveland.com in December he was wearing pristine suits to Cleveland Cavaliers games instead of Nike sweats because he recognized his place not only in basketball, but in society?

Or even when James had cut off his pregame music in the locker room to prepare for the playoffs?

Guess what. The longer shorts, the comfy sweats, even the music (he was pumping some before the Cavs' 112-103 win over Charlotte) are back.

SEE: LeBron's changing habits

In the video above, Joe Vardon examines James' changing wardrobe and explains that what you see is only the latest example that when it comes to the NBA's biggest star, there are few absolutes.

There may be a reason James was for a while wearing shorter shorts and dressing sharply -- and it had to do with David Blatt -- but by and large the changes James makes are just him being him.

Think you've figured James out? Why he says what he says or does what he does? Think again. It will change in a week.

James is only a creature of habit in that he likes to change his habits. The only constant with him is winning, and he'll only, ultimately be judged for his career based on how often he wins in June.

It's almost judgement time.


Fans with tickets to Cleveland Indians Opening Day can exchange them to attend two games of their choice

0
0

Fans can attend Tuesday's make-up game and another home game in April or May, or they can attend any two home games in April or May.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fans who possessed tickets to Monday's season opener at Progressive Field have a decision to make.

They can attend Tuesday's make-up game and another home game in April or May, or they can attend any two home games in April or May.

The Indians announced the revised ticket exchange policy on Monday evening, a few hours after their opener against the Red Sox was postponed. Snow flurries fell to the field for much of the morning and early afternoon, but they ceased around the time the game was called (about two hours prior to the scheduled 4:10 p.m. first pitch).

Of course, wind gusts made freezing temperatures even more bone-chilling. That will likely remain the case on Tuesday when the teams reconvene at the ballpark. The high temperature for Tuesday is 34 degrees, according to The Weather Channel.

"We know how special Opening Day is for our fans, and recognize how unfortunate the challenging weather scenario was for them," Indians owner Paul Dolan said in a statement. "We value each and every one of our fans, and we want to make this unique and difficult situation right by extending this offer."

Initially, fans could exchange Monday's tickets for tickets to either Tuesday's affair or to a particular game in April or May. The Indians expanded their exchange policy later in the day.

Tickets purchased through a third-party vendor are only permitted to be exchanged for Tuesday's matinee, which will have a 1:10 p.m. first pitch. The process for exchanging tickets for later games will begin Wednesday at 10 a.m. and must be completed by April 22. For more ticket information, check Indians.com/ScheduleChanges.

Opening Day rescheduled for Tuesday

NCAA Championship 2016: Villanova beats North Carolina 77-74 on last-second three-pointer

0
0

The Villanova Wildcats are national champions after Kris Jenkins swished a 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat North Carolina 77-74 in one of the great NCAA title games of all time.

HOUSTON -- One good shot deserved another.

Kris Jenkins of Villanova wasn't about to be outdone.

Jenkins overcame the shock of watching North Carolina's Marcus Paige hit a double-clutch 3 to tie it by spotting up behind the right side of the arc and draining a 3 of his own at the buzzer to lift Villanova to a 77-74 victory and the national championship Monday night.

What a shot -- and what a game.

The second-seeded Wildcats (35-5), had a six-point lead with 1:52 left, but watched it slowly trickle away. It disappeared when Paige jumped -- and with Ryan Arcidacono running at him -- double clutched and pumped one from beyond the arc to tie the game at 74 with 4.7 seconds left.

After a timeout, Arcidacono worked the ball upcourt and got it to Jenkins, who swished it from about two steps behind the 3-point line.

"Kris told him he was going to be open, Arch made the perfect pass," Villanova coach Jay Wright explained. "Kris lives for that moment."

Jenkins' range is anywhere in the gym, as he showed earlier in the tournament by nonchalantly draining a shot from the edge of the midcourt logo.

He never had a doubt.

"I think every shot's going in, and this one was no different," he said.

After being thrown to the floor by his teammates, he got up, leaped over press row, hugged his family and shouted: "They said we couldn't, they said we couldn't, they said we couldn't."

Oh yes, they could.

It's Villanova's first title since 1985, when Rollie Massimino coaxed a miracle out of his eighth-seeded underdogs for a victory over star-studded Georgetown.

Hard to top this one, though.

Jenkins, who was adopted by the family of North Carolina guard Nate Britt, now has a spot with Keith Smart, Lorenzo Charles and anyone else who ever made a late game-winner to win the whole thing.

Paige finished with 21 for the top-seeded Heels (33-7), who came one agonizing shot short of giving coach Roy Williams his third national title.

Instead, this one belongs to Villanova, a team full of scrappers, grinders and also-rans, who proved you don't have to have a roster full of NBA-bound one-and-dones to win a title.

Before Jenkins did his thing, it was Phil Booth -- one of the many unheralded players on that Villanova squad -- pouring in a career high 20 points to give the Cats their late six-point lead.

Booth's force turnaround jumper with the shot-clock blaring and a free throw from Josh Hart gave Villanova a 70-64 lead with 1:52 left.

But Carolina never quits. Paige sandwiched a 3-pointer and a putback around Brice Johnson's bucket to help the Tar Heels stay within striking range. Then, he tied the game and the Carolina fans went wild.

It looked like overtime.

Thanks to Jenkins, it wasn't.

"Every kid dreams about that shot," Arcidacono said. "I wanted that shot, but I just had confidence in my teammates and Kris was able to knock down that shot."

March Madness 2016: One shining moment for Villanova Wildcats

0
0

Villanova wins the 2016 College basketball championship at the buzzer over North Carolina.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For March Madness 2016, 'This Is It,' and for either Villanova or North Carolina, tonight's NCAA Tournament Championship game will be their 'One Shining Moment.'

It all goes to Villanova, and well worth it, even with the way-too-many gratuitous Rollie Massimino shots on the sidelines. A lot of big shots, including the last two of the game. Well played to the end, with no overtime, although the game certainly would not have been besmirched with an extra five minutes.

I was just shocked,'' Villanova head coach Jay Wright told a national TV audience as he accepted the championship trophy.

That sums up the emotion for both teams at the end. A well played championship game. And a worthy champion to end the 2016 college basketball season.

Cleveland Indians 2016 season opener part 2: Everything you need to know

0
0

Here's everything you need to know for the Cleveland Indians 2016 season opener part 2.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians will Progressive Field on Tuesday after postponing the 2016 season opener on yesterday due to concerns of weather conditions and player safety.

Tickets originally for Monday's opener will be honored for the game 1:10 p.m. The season opener will be aired on on SportsTime Ohio, WKYC-Channel 3, WTAM-AM 1100 and WMMS 100.7-FM. Gates open at 11 a.m.

The Indians are coming off three straight winning seasons and are looking to earn their first playoff appearance since 2013. Corey Kluber will be the starting pitcher for the first of three home games this week against the Red Sox; Boston will counter with David Price.

Here's what you need to know about Indians Season Opener 2016, on and off the field:

What's new at Progressive Field

Fans guide: What to know if you go

Paul Dolan talks about the changes with the Indians

What's up with food, beer and promotions for 2016

Here is a list of matchups that can be exchanged by for season opener tickets

See related: Matchups to exchange for season opener tickets

Indians vs. Red Sox: Preview

Preview of the season opener

Kluber vs. Price in season opener for Cleveland Indians, Red Sox

Pluto: Time for fans to say, 'I got a game today!

Many ties between members of Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox

What will the Indians be wearing on cold Monday? Here's an idea:

Opening Day uniform tweaks

Predictions, takeaways for the Indians and more

Tribe beats Texas, 3-1, in spring training finale

Here is a position-by-position breakdown of the Indians:

Position breakdown

Beat reporter Zack Meisel's takeaways from the Indians renovations.

Takeaways from Progressive Field renovations

Roberto Perez's uncertain status leaves roster in limbo

How do the Indians stack up against the rest of the league? Here's Dennis Manoloff's take

Indians versus the league

Beat reporters Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes share predictions for 2016

What will be the Indians' final record in 2016?

And here's the 2017 Indians preview video from Hoynsie and Zack. Yes, 2017:

What we'll think a year from now

Predictions on which players will be the league MVPs

Bryce Harper headed for more hardware

Who will be the least valuable player in each league?

Paul Hoynes' AL Central prediction: Indians will finish 3rd

Zack Meisel's AL Central prediction: Indians will finish 2nd

Haikus and pressing questions for every MLB team

Test your knowledge

Try your luck at a scavenger hunt:

Indians social media scavenger hunt

Play with your friends and co-workers and see who started for the Indians on previous Opening Day games

Every Indians opening day lineup

Interactive 2016 Cleveland Indians poster

Meet the Tribe players and coaches

Get to know Francisco Lindor: 'My Cleveland'

What used to stand where Progressive Field is? Vintage photos

History, memorable moments and more

Our Indians All-Time All-Home Opener Team: Who had the best performance, by position, in a home opener?

The Indians All-Time All-Home Opener Team

Take a look at the history of the first pitch with Robert Higgs

See who's thrown them at the Indians home openers

Birds, bugs, bobbles and bad hops among the classic moments for Indians baseball:

Memorable moments from Indians baseball

Follow coverage of the Indians on Facebook and Twitter.

Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott in the 2016 NFL Draft: When did our Buckeyes experts ring the bell?

0
0

See when Bill, Ari and Doug decided the former Buckeye, the top running back in the draft, should come off the board. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Picking Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 NFL Draft with general managers Doug Lesmerises, Ari Wasserman and Bill Landis.

The draft moves on. The real first round of the 2016 NFL Draft will take place on April 28, but for now, the Ohio State beat recreated the drama of the draft in Ari's living room with a bell my daughter got at Disney World.

Ari, Bill and I sat down to decide where we'd draft 14 top Ohio State Buckeyes, relying not on team need but our knowledge built up by watching every snap of these OSU careers.

We went against each other to add a little pressure to the moment, rather than just theorizing about potential landing spots.

You like a guy? You better pick him before the other guy on the beat does.

We started with Joey Bosa, and next up is running back Ezekiel Elliott, the clear No. 1 back in the draft who ran the Buckeyes to a National Championship in 2014 and proved himself a reliable and game-breaking workhorse once again in 2015.

Where mock drafts have Elliott: Between No. 4 and No. 13.

Ezekiel Elliott in mock drafts

Where did we pick him? Watch the video to see when we rang the bell on Elliott and which one of us drafted him and why.

Then vote on how you think we did as general managers. Did we take Elliott too high in the draft, or did we wait on him too long? Or did we get this one right?

Ezekiel Elliott Draft Capsule

Next up Wednesday: Eli Apple

Previous picks in our draft

Ringing the bell on: Joey Bosa, No. 5

Viewing all 53367 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images