UCLA holds on to beat Arizona State 54-50

Story by Brett Shapoff

UCLA hosting Arizona State. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports

In a game that saw a total of forty-two turnovers by both teams, it still was exciting down to the last few seconds, as 19^th-ranked UCLA squeezed by Arizona State, 54-50, at the House that Wooden built [Pauley Pavilion].

Although not pretty in terms of execution and cohesiveness, both teams clawed and scraped to the end, before 1,565 fans, who appreciated the hard-fought, back-and-forth play, on Sunday afternoon.

Many of the game statistics were virtually even: field-goals made: UCLA 19 to Arizona State’s 18; three-pointers made: UCLA 5 to Arizona State’s 4; free-throws made: UCLA 11 to Arizona State’s 10. The rebounding edge went to UCLA 35-24. The turnovers were not a thing either coach was happy about: UCLA committed 23, while Arizona had 19.  

UCLA's #2 Kari Korver. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports

The game, for the most part, was close – never more than an 8-point lead – by either team. Both teams played man-to-man defense, as well as, zone. It was just one of these games that although, not very proficient in execution, it displayed hustle, mental toughness, and real determination by both teams to win.

UCLA (15-4 overall) was led by Nirra Fields who had 13 points, including, 3-three-pointers, and Jasmine Dixon Dixon who contributed 12 points. Dixon was strong underneath and it resulted in her going to the line eight times and converting six of them. As a team, the Bruins shot 73% (11-15) from the charity stripe.

UCLA coach, Cori Close, stated in her post-game conference, that the game was not pretty - with so many turnovers - but it was her team’s mental toughness that propelled them to victory. Coach Close mentioned her team will watch game film to see (and learn) more about their turnovers, but she stressed the importance of the mental toughness by her players, especially, in pulling-out a hard-fought victory like this one.

UCLA's#33 Jasmine Dixon hustling for a
loose ball. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Bruins needed two three-pointers, one by Kari Korver with 2:33 remaining in the game, and one by Nirra Fields with 1:20 remaining in the game, to keep the pesky Sun Devils from stealing a victory.

Arizona State (11-9 overall) was led by Janae Fulcher’s 13 points, Promise Amukamara’s 7 points, and a trio of players – Adrianne Tomas, Arnecia Hawkins and Joy Burke – who all pitched in 6 points a piece. Thomas and Amukamara also had 8 and 6 rebound respectively.

The Sun Devils held the Bruins to 17.5 points per game below their season average, but the Bruins still found a way to win: ‘Mental Toughness’!

Next up for the Bruins are the mountain-state schools of Colorado and Utah, who visit Pauley Pavilion this coming week.  

National Team Dominates American Team 34-0 in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game

Story by L.T.Willis

National Team's #10 Dayne Crist from Kansas was the MVP
of the game. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The NFLPA 2013 Collegiate Bowl Game held at the Home Depot Center feature two coaches from the NFL, Dick Vermeil the National Team coach the teacher, and the student Herm Edwards the American Team coach . The stats were close in to main areas, first down about even National Team 14, The American Team 13. Total yards National Team 167 and the American Team 169. The National Team beat the American Team 34-0 due to a strong performance on defense.

The National Team defense force the American Team to commit seven turnovers, and never converted on third downs prove to much for them to over come. The National Team scored first in the second quarter on a one yard run by quarterback Dayne Crist from Kansas of the left side for 7-0 lead with 12:12 on the clock. The American Team went three and out, and the National Team with 7:25 on the clock scored on a seven yard touch down pass from Crist to Luke Wilson from Rice to push the lead to 14-0.

National Team kicker #1 Adam Yates kicking a  41
yard field goal. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

The National Team kicker Adam Yates from  South Carolina got a chance to get into the scoring act twice when he kicked a pair of field goals from forty one and forty yards out to help increase the National Team lead to 20-7. Late in the third quarter with 6:54 Xavier Boyce from Norfolk State caught a nine yard touch down pass from Jeffrey Tuel from Washington to increase the National Team lead to 27-0. 

National Team #80 Xavier Boyce from Rice catches a nine yard
touchdown pass. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

   

The only bright spot for the American Team was wide out Stanford's Jamal-Rashad Patterson would lead all receivers with catches. Patterson had 8 catches for 86 yards and his longest catch was 15 yards. Many of us wonder why the American Team trailing big, didn't try to air it out and go deep the down the field was the biggest questions of the night.

American Team's #82 Jamal-Rashad Patterson from Stanford
caught 8 passes against the National Team defense. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The fourth quarter wasn't no better for the American team as the National Team found another way to score again as running back Eric Stephens from Texas Tech scored on a one yard touchdown run and now the score was 34-0. Clearly the teacher Dick Vermeil had the edge of having the same coaching staff from last year, which helped him to be 2-0 in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Games, while this being the first time for Herm Edwards.

National Team #28 running back Eric Stephens from Texas Tech scores on a  1
yard touchdown run. Photo by Eric wade/T.G.Sports.

The National Team went on to defeat the American Team 34-0 and the stats that will stand out the most will be on third conversion for the American Team 0 for 6, National Team 9 for 17,time of possession the American Team 23:15  and the National Team 36:45. The one thing about this game it gave many future NFL players just a taste of what football is like in the NFL. Three days of what life will be for some of these young men who will tryout for NFL Teams.

The MVP player of the game was the National Team Dayne Crist from Kansas who ran for a 1 yard touch down and  was 10 of 7 for 61 yards and 1 touchdown. The leading rusher of the game was also from the National Team Eric Stephens Jr. from Texas Tech carried the ball 13 times for 38 yards and 1 touchdown. The American Team standouts was quarterback Jordan Rodgers from Vanderbilt was 8 for 11 for 91 yards
and wide out Jamal-Rashad Patterson from Stanford 8 catches for 86 yards.

From left to right: National head coach Dick Vermeil and American Team head
coach Herm Edwards. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

" Giving these young men a taste of what their lives will be in the NFL, listening to former NFL players like Art Monk, Darryl Green  and some of the others sharing their personal struggles and success about football in the NFL will be priceless to these group of guys who played in 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, " said coach Dick Vermeil."For more photos from this game go to www.tgsportstv.com and click on Photo Gallery, then scroll down to the 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. All photos were by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports, EW Gems Images and William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

USC holds on to a 69-68 victory over Oregon ST

Story by Brett Shapoff

Photo by Gus Ruelas/AP Photo

A wild, nail-biter, one-point 69-68 victory over Oregon State gave USC interim coach, Bob Cantu, his first win since assuming the helm from Kevin O’ Neill on Saturday evening, before 3,963 at the Galen Center. The Trojans blew a fifteen- point second half lead to the Beavers who fought and fought to actually go ahead by one-point, then only to lose by one-point at the final buzzer.

For the second game in a row, the Trojans came out with a lot of enthusiasm and energy to propel them to an easy 39-31 halftime lead. That lead peaked to fifteen early in the second-half when the Beavers took advantage of the Trojans complacent ‘we-are-ahead-by-fifteen-points-and-cruising-to-victory’ play. The Beavers went on an 18-2 run to go-ahead 49-48 with 11:52 left in the game. From then on, the game was close until the final buzzer.  

Photo by Gus Ruelas/AP Photo.

USC coach, Cantu, commented on his first victory as head coach: “It feels great. I'm feeling more comfortable every day. I'm just happy for our guys."

The Trojans shot 49% (26-53) from the field for the game. Included were four three-pointers. Byron Wesley led the way with 19 points, Eric Wise had 18 points, and J.T. Terrell contributed 11 points.

Wesley had this to say: "Cantu has a different philosophy from KO. We're trying to adjust. We're making strides."

Oregon State head coach, Craig Robinson, admitted, "The first minute and half of the second half lost us the game." Although the Beavers clawed back from that big deficit, and had multiple chances to win, getting down so many, cost them.

Photo by Gus Ruelas/AP Photo

The Beavers shot only 43% (24-56) for the game, which included only three three-pointers. Guard Roberto Nelson paved the way with 26 points, including, a perfect 10-10 from the free-throw line. Power forward, Joe Burton had 16 points, and Devon Collier pitched in 16 points, as well.

Overall, the game went from being a blow-out to being a really exciting game for all attended. Granted, USC’s complacency contributed to the Oregon State 2^nd-half comeback, the Beavers never quit, and showed why a game is never over, until the final buzzer. 

Trojans loses to Oregon 76-74

Story by Brett Shapoff

Oregon holds on to beat USC 76-74. Photo by Jae C. Hong/AP

The post Kevin ‘O Neill era got off to a exciting, near-victory for USC against the Oregon Ducks, but the Trojans valiant effort came up a bucket short at 76-74. The energized Trojans, under interim coach, Bob Cantu, almost pulled-off the upset of No. 21 Oregon, before 4,722, at Galen Center.

This seemed to be a different – more energy, more hustle - Trojan team than we have been seeing up to this point in the season. Perhaps it was the coaching change; perhaps it was just a sense of pride … but USC played with tremendous vigor, passion, and real grit, for all forty minutes … something they had failed to do under their previous coach.

"It's been a tough week," Cantu said. "I'm really proud how we competed and fought. We kept pushing, got back in the game and had our chances. We did a decent job of pushing the ball up the floor and we attacked. ... But we weren't consistent enough to get over the hump. I'm proud of the guys and their effort."

USC was paced by J.T. Terrell’s 22 points and Eric Wise’s 17 points. The Trojans were 24-53 from the field, including, 6-15 from beyond the arc.

From the outset, Oregon’s well-coached squad used their quickness to jump-out to a 12-6 lead in the first six minutes of the game, limiting USC to only one shot per possession, In fact, much of the first half the Ducks were fundamentally sounder the scrappy Trojans. However, the Trojans kept fighting and fighting and were down only 35-31 at the break.

The second half was very similar to the first stanza, in that, USC kept clawing their way back into the game by either getting a key offensive rebound and/or hitting a much-needed three-pointer. Oregon maintained their lead throughout the second half and was paced by all five starters in double figures. Led by Damyean Dotson’s 16 points and E.J. Singler’s 14 points, the Ducks just stayed far enough ahead of the Trojans to escape with a hard-fought victory.

Oregon coach, Altman, commented, "You've got to find a way in some games.”We haven't been sharp now the last two games which is a big concern, but we did find a way to win, which is very important on the road. ... Sometimes you've just got to be lucky."

Oregon won this game on the boards, out rebounding USC 41-30, including, 15-8 on the offensive glass. This, in turn, allowed the Ducks to re-set their offense, and get ten more shots throughout the game…in a game decided by two points. This was the difference.

With 2:59 remaining in the game, USC was down 75-65, but some key buckets by Eric Wise, and some free throws by Omar Oraby and J.T. Terrell, cut the lead to 75-74 with :34 seconds to go. The Trojans called their last time-out and set up a play. They had a good look from Jio Fontan from three-point land that missed, followed by an Eric Wise offensive rebound (and follow-up shot by Wise), then Oregon grabbed the rebound and was fouled to ice the game.

The Trojans played hard, never quit, and can use this momentum for their match-up on Saturday against the Beavers of Oregon State.  

2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Practices

Story by L.T.Willis

2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl National Team head coach
Dick Vermeil. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports

The 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl practices the first two days got off to a great start, as the National Team head coach Dick Vermeil taken a stroll across the turf football field provided by Astro Turf Company at The Home Depot Center in Carson California. His counter part American Team head coach Herm Edwards to follow after their practice.

Players from across the country being grateful for being invited to play in the 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game, and for the players from the colder regions, they were in heaven being in sunny California, and giving a chance to impress NFL scouts, hoping to be invited to a NFL tryout or being drafted in the 2013 NFL draft.

Having two great former NFL coaches and former NFL players sharing with them about the life in the NFL, the hard work on the field, but growing up to be men off the field was even more important, which is the main reason for this bowl game being form by the NFLPA, to help prepare young men for life after football.

2013 NFLPA American Team head coach
Herm Edwards.Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports

Fort Valley #84 Christopher Slaughter and
former Washington Redskins Art Monk.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The coaching staff of former players such as Isaac Bruce, Erick Hicks, Priest Holmes, Bill Bradley, Bob Saunders,Terry Shea, Art Monk. Darryl Green, Tony Wagge, Martin Bayless, John Embree are just a few names of former players taken the time to give back. Several players on the rosters grew up right her in California, Brad Sorensen quarterback from Southern Utah Grand Terrace Ca, Jordan Rodgers quarterback from Vanderbilt Chico CA, James Nelson offensive tackle from University of Texas Ventura Ca, and UCLA's David Allen running back from South Pasadena just to name a few.

During the practices players are doing agility drills, offensive linemen and defensive linemen working on blocking and pass rushing schemes, and several inner squad scrimmages to get players ready for game day. Also did i mention a lot of friendly conversations among players from opposing teams, kept the spirits of practices very high and emotional, as players were getting ready for battle with less than two days away.

University of Wyoming #70 Mike Purcell and  South Carolina #77 Byron Jerideau.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

So many of young players will now have a better chance to make int in the NFL because of what the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl really stands for, NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and his staff are doing something that has been needed for a very long time, a mentor program to help these players have a fruitful life after professional football, to become future business men in their communities, better husbands, better fathers, better men and to not forgetting to come back to become mentors as well.

Their greatest challenge is knowing that they will have to compete at a higher level, practice against players that are just as big and faster, they already have slight edge on the other players who are playing in other senior bowl games, They can talked face to face with with the president of the NFLPA, a Super Bowl Champion coach Dick Vermeil from the St. Louis Rams, former Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards and other former players, and get straight answer on what it takes to be a man in the NFL.

UCLA's #26 David Allen. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Whatever the outcome of the game on Saturday in the 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game their will be no losers, but only winners on both sides, to get first hand knowledge on the life in the NFL, to have former players coach you for three fun days of practices, to meet young men from other regions of the country is priceless. For more photos from the practices go to www.tgsportstv.com, click on Photo Gallery and scroll down to 2013 NFLPA practices. All Photos were by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

Lakers host fans for an All Access Events

Story by Nick Hamilton

All Access Panel from left to right: Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak, former Laker
Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, Robert Horry and play by play announcer
Bill McDonald. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Wednesday night was no off night for the Staple Center. as LASEC and the Lakers gave some lucky fans an opportunity to have All-Access to Lakers past and present. Many fans with their kids had the great fortune to shoot on the same court as their Laker team. along with taken photos with Laker players such as James Worthy, Robert Horry, GM Mitch Kupchak, Antawn Jamison, Steve Blake, and Jamaal Wilkes.

The fans were also treated to an in depth panel led by Lakers play by play announcer Bill McDonald. McDonald asked the first panel that consisted of James Worthy, Wilkes, Horry and Kupchak a series of questions surrounding the current Laker team, NBA rule changes and more.

Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports

One more response stood out amongst the fans when the panel was asked what player would you start a team with. Everyone answered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or some other Laker except Wilkes.Who surprise many by responding "I know this may not be the popular answer....but I'd have to go with Bill Russell." The crowd wasn't too pleased by that answer,as McDonald sort of egged on the crowd by saying. whoa you chose a Celtic amongst Lakers fans.

Everyone laughed it off, as Wilkes explained and later recanted his answer by saying, "can I go back and say Kareem now." The second panel consisted of current players Steve Blake who is recovering from abdominal injury, Antawn Jamison, and coach Mike D'Antoni.

Lakers' coach Mike D.Antoni. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Former Laker Jamaal Wilkes, Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Antawn Jamison. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

Everyone was in a festive mood as the Lakers were on a current two game winning streak. It was good to see Coach D'Antoni in a relaxed, good mood for a change. A great time was had by all in attendance, another great event hosted by Kathryn Schloessman and LASEC. For more photos from this event go to www.tgsportstv.com, click on Photo Gallery 2 and scroll down to the Lakers Media All Access. All photos were by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

LMU holds on to beat Santa Clara 84-80

Story by L.T.Willis

LMU's #3 Anthony Ireland. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

A slow start from LMU (8-8,1-2) home opener in the WCC at Gersten Pavilion against Santa Clara (12-5,1-2) had everyone on the edge of the seat as the Lions squeak out a 84-80 victory. The Broncos jumped on the Lions to take a 20-6 early in the first half, before the Lions started to settle down on offense. The Lions defense was starting to clamp down on the Broncos.

The bench came up big as Ashley Hamilton came in and scored 17 points, along with Ayodeji Gbeyemi 13 points with Anthony Ireland 29 points was a major factor in the their come from behind victory 84-80. The hot shooting from Evans Roquemore and Brandon Clark help the Broncos have a 44-35 half time lead.

The Lions' defense would help them get back in the game as they force the Broncos into 20 turnovers on 10 steals. Down by 9 points 49-38, the Lions went on a 8-0 run to close the gad to 50-49 at the 15:45 mark of the second half, and that's when the game became a dog fight.

LMU's #5 Ashley Hamilton. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

With 12:50 left in the game the Lions tied the game 53-53 with a floater from Ireland in the paint, and finally took the lead 54-53 with a free throw by Egbeyemi minutes later. The game was tied once again 66-66 with 4:48 until Hamilton monster dunk gave the Lions the lead 68-66.

The Broncos wouldn't go away, but the great free throw shooting down the stretch from Anthony Ireland who was 6 for 6 and the Lions 8 for 10 were able to keep the Broncos from catching up, and help seal the 84-80 victory for LMU.

The defense really pick up when it had to make a stand, or else it could have really got ugly for LMU early in the first in the first half. Great team free throw shooting for the Lions 21 of 25, while the Broncos were 15 for 20." We did a much better job in the second half staying with guys on defense,"Good said."

Santa Clara's #15 Marc Trasolini. Photo by William Johnson/
T.G.Sports.

" That helped us become more aggressive on offense."Those back to back three pointers by Ireland were huge for us," said Coach Good."We called plays for him to take those shots," and he delivered when he had too." LMU's Anthony Ireland finish with 29 points, Ashley Hamilton 17 points and Ayodeji Gqbeyemi 13 points.

For Santa Clara Evan Roquemore he finish with 21 points, Brandon Clark 17 points and Raymond Cowels III 15 points and 11 rebounds. LMU will host Portland on Jan 12 at 7pm. For more photos from this game go to our website at www.tgsportstv.com, click on Photo Gallery 2 and scroll down to Santa Clara @ LMU. All photos were by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.