Also, the frickin' Cavs won! Ten games losing streak over! It took overtime but the wine and gold sneeked past the Knicks 109-102. The win came on the shoulders of the team's "stars," Mo Williams (23pts, 14asts, 5rbs), Anderson Varejao (14pts, 17rbs, 3blks) and Antawn Jamison (21pts, 9rbs). Perhaps most impressive was the Cavaliers ability to contain Amar'e Stoudemire, who finished 8-of-19 from the floor and turned the ball over 8 times. Defense was key for Cavaliers team that held an opponent under 100 points in regulation for only the 2nd time this month. Let's put this nonsense behind us, build on 2 respectable losses and a quality win and make a true effort not to be the laughing stock of the league.
Also from the Association, the Magic have been a-dealin'. Orlando shipped Rashard Lewis to the Wizards for Gilbert Arenas. In a separate transaction, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat and a 2011 1st round pick head to Phoenix in exchange for Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Earl Clark. That's nearly a complete overhaul for Magic who have surrounded Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson with an all-new supporting cast in an attempt to keep up with Miami, to whom they have now fallen 3.5 games behind. There are a host of moving pieces here and Orlando's ability to fold in the acquisitions quickly will certainly determine how successful the trades become.
Speaking of laughing stocks, I am depressed by and disgusted with my Ohio Bobcats. The football team was annihilated 48-21 by Troy in the New Orleans Bowl. The 'Cats were down 38-7 at the half and never truly showed up. The hoops squad lost as well... in quadruple overtime. St. Bonaventure walked away with 112-107 victory. Ohio point guard D.J. Cooper scored 43 points and added 13 assists, 8 boards and 8 steals. Unbelievably, Cooper did this by shooting 17-of-41 from the floor, the most attempts by an NCAA player in 15 years.
On the wrong end of the tally for the first time this season, the Cleveland State Vikings fell to West Virginia 74-63. CSU showed up and had the game tied at 55 deep into the 2nd half, but could not overcome the Mountaineers depth of talent. Nice try, boys.
The Buckeyes basketballers did win 79-57 over the South Carolina 'Cocks. Jared Sullinger - 30 points & 19 rebounds.
Not sure what story is here, but former Indians closer Kerry Wood signed a 1-yr, $1.5 contract with the Cubbies despite the fact that the Yankees were willing to giver him $10mil over 2 years.
In case you missed it, Bill Hall to the Astros and Orlando Hudson to San Diego.
Time for a breath. Cheers.
