Archive for January, 2009

WATERCOOLER CHAT: LAKERS STREAK ENDED, UTES WANT SHAKE AT TITLE, MARINELLI NOT HAPPY

NBA

In the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to extend their 15-game home winning streak at the Staples Center.  Their home streak is notable, because many people thought the Lakers might have won last year’s NBA Championship if they had home court advantage.  So… this season they’re determined to have that edge.   Last night, they tried to fend off the pesky New Orleans Hornets, led by the phenomenal Chris Paul.  Kobe, of course, played out of his mind putting up 39 points, and shot 6 for 7 from the three-point line.  However, it wasn’t enough, as the Hornets jelled too well.  Paul had 35 points and 15 assists, and the Hornets put an end to the Lakers’ ‘Home’-run.  New Orleans 116, Los Angeles 105.

Speaking of streaks, the Celtics started out the season 27-2, and looked like they might be one of the greatest teams ever.  And last night, they lost to the 13-22 CHARLOTTE BOBCATS??!!  Um, that’s not the mark of “one of the greatest teams ever”.  In fact, the Celts have lost five out of their last seven games, and three of those teams had losing records.  Bobcats point guard Raymond Felton put up the big show for the Cats with 25 points.  If the Celtics plan on repeating, they really better shape up.  Charlotte 114, Boston 106.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Some very interesting news out of Utah.  The undefeated Utes beat up the former #1 Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl, but due to the unfair BCS rules, they won’t get a chance at the National Title Game.  Well, Utah’s attorney general feels that the BCS (and thus NCAA) is violating anti-trust laws by not giving Utah a fair shake.  His claim is there is no bowl that gives Utah’s smaller conference (Mountain West) an automatic bid to a big, high-money game.  Even though they were unbeaten, and even proved themselves against Alabama, they won’t get a shot at a big money prize.  Their school needs that funding just like anybody else, and they don’t get a fair chance at it for completely arbitrary reasons.  Hopefully his claim is explored so we can finally get a PLAYOFF!!

NFL

Finally, some publishing news, as a columnist for a Detroit newspaper has resigned after insulting Detroit Lions head coach, Rob Marinelli.  Marinelli’s son-in-law is the team’s defensive coordinator, and the columnist jokingly asked the coach if he wished his daughter had married a “better defensive coordinator”.  This heavily offended Marinelli, and led to the columnist “resigning”.  At least he’s not a humor writer.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: FIESTA BOWL RECAP, COLLEGE BBALL, FREE AGENT SIGNING, RIVALRY IN NBA

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Last night, college football was in full swing.  It was Fiesta Bowl time!!  This year, it was #3 Texas v. #10 Ohio State.  Texas still feels it deserved a shot at the National Title, and Ohio State finished the season strong behind freshman phenom Terrelle Pryor — so this game was poised to be close.  And… it… was.  Ohio State had the edge early; even playing with, count ’em (2) quarterbacks, The freshman Pryor, and their QB last year Todd Boeckman.  Then Texas rallied behind their Heisman finalist QB Colt McCoy.  McCoy finished with 414 passing yards, and his biggest play came with just 16 seconds on the clock.  Trailing by four points, he hit his speedy wide receiver Quan Cosby for a 26-yard touchdown.  Don’t Mess With Texas.  Texas 24, Ohio State 21.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The new rankings came out, and for the first time in history the Pitt Panthers are ranked number one.  Over the past 10 years, the small Pitt (short for Pittsburgh) university has been relevant, making the NCAA tourney numerous times.  But, they’ve always hovered in the 10-20 rankings.  This year, at least for now, they’re #1.  The Pittsburgh sports scene looks good now.  The Steelers are making a serious Super Bowl run, the Penguins have an amazing all star in Sidney Crosby (and they made the Stanley Cup playoffs last year).  And the Pirates, well, three out of four ain’t bad.

BASEBALL

An interesting free agent signing.  The Phillies long time consistent hitter, Pat Burrell, decided to test the market this year.  Good timing considering he finally won a World Series with them.  And which team does he choose?  The team that the Phillies BEAT in that World Series:  The Tampa Bay Devil Rays.  Burrell must have seen that those guys were CLOSE to winning, and have an incredible chance to dominate next year with their explosive young talent.  Burrell might just be the guy to give them that extra umph.

NBA

Finally, out of the NBA, a new story in the Cleveland Cavaliers/Washington Wizards rivalry.  Granted it’s lopsided right now, but these teams have history.  This time they made fun of LeBron James’ so called ‘crab dribble’.  Lebron defined it as when you take a hesitation dribble and then keep moving.  Ridiculing this, when the Wizards Caron Butler was asked what a ‘crab dribble’ is, he answered, “‘Crab dribble’ is when you, uh, travel,”.  Their other star player Antawn Jamison said, “I know what traveling is. … I think we all know what traveling is.”  Pretty witty responses, showing that even when one team is far superior, the rivalry never ends.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: NFL WILD CARD WEEKEND

NFL Wild Card Update

Arizona Cardinals vs Atlanta Falcons

It’s been 61 years since the Arizona Cardinals got their last home playoff victory. The Cardinals edged the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 with the strong arm of QB Kurt Warner throwing for 271 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons’ Michael “The Burner” Turner had nowhere to go in the second half due to a stellar defensive performance by the Cards. (Cardinals 30, Falcons 24)

San Diego Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts

Saturday night featured San Diego running back, Darren Sproles as he lifted the Chargers over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC wild-card game. Sproles recorded 328 total yards and sailed into the endzone in overtime for the game-winning touchdown. Peyton Manning and the Colts looked like the team to beat, particularly as Peyton had just won his third Associated Press NFL MVP award, but yet it wasn’t meant to be.  (Chargers, 23, Colts 17)

Miami Dolphins vs Baltimore Ravens

Miami Dolphins’ feel good season ended abruptly Sunday with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens defense put so much pressure on Dolphins’ QB Chad Pennington that he was scrambling all game and coughed up four interceptions. Next up for the Ravens is the Tennessee Titans. (Ravens 27, Dolphins 9)

Philadelphia Eagles vs Minnesota Vikings

Philadelphia Eagles are heading to New York to take on the New York Giants after their 26-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Philly QB Donovan McNabb ramped it up and led the team with some clutch throws.  He finished the game with 300 yards, one touchdown and one interception, completing 23 of 34 passes.  And, thanks to Jim Johnson’s masterfully crafted defense, the Phillys are in a great position to take on the mighty Giants. The last time the Eagles played at the Meadowlands they won decidedly, which really means nothing other than you can tell people that on Dec. 7th, the Eagles beat the Giants 20-14. (Eagles 26, Vikings 14)

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