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MBB-FBS: Air Force Falcons (12-11) at Nevada Wolfpack (17-6)

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MBB-FBS: Air Force Falcons (12-11) at Nevada Wolfpack (17-6)

Following a tremendous 75-66 victory over #22 San Diego State to move to 17-6 overall and 7-3 in Mountain West play this season, the University of Nevada Men’s Basketball team will once again put their unblemished record on the line this Friday evening as they welcome Air Force to the Lawlor Events Center, with the Pack seeking to move to 12-0 at home this season.

Friday night’s game will be sponsored by Renown Health, and pink bandanas will be distributed to fans. Pizzava will be available to the first 300 students to enter the building, and the Nevada Women’s Soccer team will be signing autographs on the concourse before the game, in addition to receiving a recognition during the game. For the second straight game, there will be a cross-court putt for $10,000 at halftime, and NNSR will also be doing a halftime performance. 

Nevada won the previous matchup between the two squads this season, earning a 75-69 victory over the Falcons in Colorado Springs on New Year’s Eve. 

Senior guard Jarod Lucas had a career night in the first contest against Air Force, dropping a career-high 28 points on 7-10 shooting from the field and 3-5 from behind the arc. 

Will Baker also had a solid outing in the first tilt between the two squads, scoring 16 points on 7-13 shooting from the field, in addition to pulling down eight rebounds. 

Nevada is now coming off of one of their most impressive wins in recent history: an impressive victory over then-conference-leading Aztecs. 

Lucas was outstanding throughout the game, scoring 26 points on a highly efficient 9-14 shooting from the field. He also pulled down four rebounds, tallied one steal, and finished the contest with a game-high plus/minus of +11 in 38 minutes of playing time.

Lucas has now reached double figures in scoring in an unbelievable 21 straight games, totaling22 of 23 contests this season. After the 26-point performance, he ranks second overall in the Mountain West in total points scored (397) and third in points per game (17.3). Lucas also ranks second in made 3-pointers (60) and fifth in free throw percentage (84.5%). 

Baker had a dominant performance against the Aztecs, pouring in 19 points on 6-10 shooting from the field and 7-7 at the free throw line, while also pulling down a game-high nine rebounds.

Baker has been immaculate at the Lawlor Events Center this season, as he is averaging 17.6 points on 66.7 percent shooting from the field, 42.9 percent from behind the arc, and 83.7 percent at the free throw line in home games this season. 

Baker currently ranks third overall in the Mountain West in free throw percentage (85.3%) and 15th in points per game (13.4).

Kenan Blackshear had a sensational game in the win over San Diego State, scoring 18 points on 7-14 shooting from the field, in addition to dishing out a game-high seven assists and recording two steals. 

Blackshear has now scored in double figures in 14 straight games and in 20 of 23 games this season for the Pack. He has also dished out at least three assists in all but two games for Nevada.

Blackshear continues to rank in the top-15 of the conference in a multitude of individual statistical categories. He is currently first in the league in total assists (109), third in assists per game (4.7), fourth in steals per game (1.8), seventh in free throw percentage (81.0%), and tenth in points per game (15.0). 

Junior forward Tré Coleman had another stellar outing on both ends of the floor for Nevada against the Aztecs. Coleman scored 11 points on 3-6 shooting from behind the arc in the second half alone, while also recording a game-high three blocks and tallying two steals.

Freshman forward Darrion Williams got into foul trouble early against San Diego State; but, he still managed to pull down four rebounds during the game. Williams continues to lead the team in rebounding, and he currently ranks sixth in the league in rebounds per game (7.2). Williams has also maintained his solid defensive play, as he is sixth in the conference in steals per game this season (1.5).

As a team, Nevada had one of their most efficient offensive performances of the season, shooting 50 percent from the field for the game and matching a season-best by only turning the ball over six times. 

Nevada is currently tied for first in the conference in fewest turnovers this season (246) and second in turnover margin (2.35). 

Defensively, the Pack ranks in the top-five of the conference in a number of statistical categories. Nevada is third in opponent field goal percentage (41.6%), fourth in turnovers forced (300), fourth in steals per game (6.4), fifth in opponent 3-point field goal percentage, and fifth in defensive rebounding (26.3 per game). 

Nevada has maintained their exceptional shooting at the free throw line, as they currently lead the conference and rank fifth in the entire country in free throw percentage this season (79.4%).

Nevada will look to win their second consecutive victory Tuesday night against a methodical and disciplined Air Force team that is seeking to snap a four-game losing streak.

Scouting Air Force

Air Force enters Friday night’s matchup with an overall record of 12-11 and a conference mark of 3-7; and, they have dropped their previous four games. The Falcons have been one of the better defensive teams in the Mountain West this season, as they rank third in the league in opponent points per game, limiting opposing teams to just 65.7 points per contest.

Air Force has been particularly good at defending the 3-point line, as they are holding their opponents to a paltry 28.6 percent shooting from deep, the second-best mark in the Mountain West.

Individually, Air Force has eight different players averaging at least 5.1 points per game. Sophomore guard Jake Heidbreder has led the way for the Falcons, averaging an impressive 13.8 points per game on 46.5 percent shooting from the field and 36.0 percent from behind the arc. 

6’7″ freshman guard Rytis Petraitis is also having a strong season for Air Force, as he is averaging 10.4 points per game on an outstanding 52.3 percent shooting from the field and 36.1 percent from behind the arc. Petraitis is also averaging a team-high 5.7 rebounds per game. 

The Falcons have a multitude of offensive options outside of the Heidbreder and Petraitis duo, as numerous players have stepped up in different games throughout the season.

Air Force will look to slow down the pace of the game and create quality opportunities from behind the arc.

Nevada will need to get off to a fast start and dominate the paint against an undersized Air Force team in order to achieve their 18th victory of the season and eighth in Mountain West play.

Series History
Nevada and Air Force have faced off 19 times on the court throughout history, with the Pack holding a 16-3 advantage all-time against the Falcons.

NBA Preview: Charlotte Hornets (15-38) at Detroit Pistons (13-39)

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NBA Preview: Charlotte Hornets (15-38) at Detroit Pistons (13-39)

The Detroit Pistons had an unexpected layoff this week, though it wasn’t pleasant.

The team got stuck in Dallas, thanks to a combination of mechanical issues with its plane and poor weather conditions. The Pistons will return to action with a back-to-back set of home games, beginning with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.

Detroit was supposed to begin the homestand against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday after losing to the Mavericks 111-105 on Monday night. However, the Pistons didn’t leave Texas until Thursday afternoon.

The Pistons return home having lost nine of their past 11 games. In the Monday defeat, Dallas superstar Luka Doncic overwhelmed Detroit with 53 points — and fouled out Pistons point guards Jaden Ivey and Killian Hayes as they tried to guard him.

Despite Doncic’s outburst, Detroit was down by just two points with less than two minutes remaining. The Pistons came up empty in their last four possessions while getting outscored 28-21 during the final quarter.

Bojan Bogdanovic’s 29 points led the Pistons and Saddiq Bey contributed 18. However, Bey missed a potential tying layup with 1:10 left.

The Friday game will be the second of four meetings this season between the two teams at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Detroit won 141-134 in overtime at Charlotte on Dec. 14. Alec Burks led the Pistons with 27 points off the bench while Hayes had 25 and Bogdanovic supplied 24. Kelly Oubre Jr., currently sidelined due to a hand injury, topped the Hornets with 28 points.

Charlotte will be playing the second of back-to-back road games, having lost 114-98 to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.

The Hornets made only seven of 35 3-point tries (20 percent) and 41.9 percent of their field-goal attempts overall. The Bulls shot 51.9 percent from the floor, 39.3 percent (11 of 28) from long range.

Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball, who compiled 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists, was ejected in the late going for arguing a non-call. Clifford was not pleased.

The Hornets have still won half of their last eight games.

Boxing Preview: Amanda Serrano (43-2-1, 30 KO’s) vs Erika Cruz (15-1-0, 3 KO’s)

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Boxing Preview: Amanda Serrano (43-2-1, 30 KO’s) vs Erika Cruz (15-1-0, 3 KO’s)

Amanda Serrano will face Erika Cruz in a Puerto Rico vs. Mexican battle for the Undisputed World Featherweight championship and Alycia Baumgardner takes on Elhem Mekhaled for the Undisputed World Super-Featherweight championship at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday February 4, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.

Seven-weight World champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (43-2-1 30 KOs) looks to become the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed, as she finally gets the opportunity at Featherweight where she has ruled since 2019, after her history-making Lightweight clash with Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden last April. Serrano faces off against Cruz in her hometown of New York City after a convincing win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England to add the Dane’s IBF title to her WBO and WBC belts at 126lbs.

WHAT TIME IS SERRANO VS. CRUZ?
Date: Saturday, February 4
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. GMT
Main event ringwalks (approx): 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. GMT
The fight takes place at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York.
The card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe
The main card is set to get underway at 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. GMT with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. GMT.

The missing piece of the jigsaw is the WBA crown that belongs to Cruz (15-1 3 KOs). The Mexican became WBA champion in April 2021, ending the long reign of Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich in West Point, New York. Cruz defended the title in Mexico in November 2021 and then met Mrdjenovich in a rematch in September in Mexico and won via shutout on points. The 32 year old, nicknamed ‘Dinamita’ will pose a big threat to Serrano’s hopes of becoming undisputed and put a spanner in the works of the Taylor rematch.

“This is a pivotal moment, not just for me and my own career but for my home island of Puerto Rico,” said Serrano. Earning the opportunity to be an undisputed lineal champion is something most fighters only dream about but becoming the first boxer from Puerto Rico to be an undisputed champion would make it even more special. I look forward to entering the ring on Saturday, February 4th in my hometown of NYC back at Madison Square Garden, taking on a Mexican champion in Erika Cruz and making Puerto Rican history. I encourage all my fans to turn up and tune in!”

“We’ve come to realize nothing is unachievable for Amanda and she is truly setting the tone for a historic 2023 as she goes head-to-head with Mexico’s Erica Cruz in her fight first of the year,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. “Being the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed lineal champion is a goal we have discussed since she joined MVP fifteen months ago.” With an unwavering commitment to boxing, Amanda’s focus has always been to be one of the best to ever step into the ring. The fact that the Puerto Rican greats, like Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Carlos Ortiz and Miguel Cotto never achieved undisputed status but that Amanda Serrano will with a win, is a testament to her and her team’s greatness.”

“I am grateful that this opportunity was finally given to me after many years of work,” said Cruz. “I have always gone against everything, but God is on my side, and he has given me the strength to achieve my goals. It’s time to make history and give Mexico its first unified champion at 126 pounds.”

Baumgardner (13-1 7 KOs) had a brilliant 2022, capped by her victorious trip to London where she unified the 130lbs division against bitter American rival and IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine champion Mikaela Mayer in October via split decision. Baumgardner made it three wins on the bounce in the UK having ripped the WBC and IBO World titles from Terri Harper in Sheffield in November 2021 with a stunning KO and defending the belt for the first time in April in Manchester, shutting out Edith Matthysse over ten rounds.

Like Serrano, the Detroit star just needs the WBA belt to complete the full set, and that belt is vacant with #3 ranked Mekhaled (15-1 3 KOs), and the French former interim WBC champion comes into the bout on the back of a slender reversal in a bruising encounter with Belgium’s former World ruler Delfine Persoon in May in Abu Dhabi.

“Naturally, I’m VERY excited to finally be fighting for undisputed to make it official what I’ve known all along – I’m the world’s best fighter in this division!” said Baumgardner.

“To finally return home and debut in MY country as a World champion is something I’ve been so looking forward to and to have all of this come together as a co-main at the legendary Madison Square Garden in NYC is so incredible!

“NYC is an awesome representation of our country’s diversity, the diversity that’s so near and dear to my heritage… so for me, it’s definitely a fitting venue.

“I get to be an ambassador for women’s boxing in America on one of the largest stages for boxing in the world! I plan to use my talent as an athlete to show Americans and the world a level of women’s boxing that many have never seen before.

“Mekhaled is a great fighter. She’s quick, smart, very skilled, and experienced. Her record and her last fight, where she really outboxed Persoon shows that, but neither she nor anyone else in this division are on my level. So, I plan to end this one quick and make an example out of her.

“She’s standing in between me and God’s plan, so I’m going to have to walk straight through her. This won’t be a fight ANYONE can call close. She had a better chance of ending the fight on her feet if she took the offer back in April when it was first offered to her, but now, I feel motivated to silence any remaining doubters and put everyone from 130 to 140 on notice – I’m coming!”

“Since my WBC interim 2019 title, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Mekhaled. “Maybe fate has played well: instead of one belt, there are all on the line!

“I am super excited to fight on February 4 at the legendary MSG in New York. God knows how determined I am! It’s my time to shine. Thank you to my advisor Sarah Fina. #ANDTHENEW #UNDISPUTED.”

There’s a stacked card in support of the Undisputed double-header, and it’s led by Brooklyn’s own Richardson Hitchins taking on New Jersey’s John Bauza for the IBF North American and USWBC 140lb titles.

It’s a second fight under the Matchroom banner for Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) and the unbeaten 25 year old will defend the IBF belt he won on his first fight with Eddie Hearn in Cleveland in November, his first title fight in the paid ranks and look to add a second strap in the process.

Hitchins fights in New York for the first time since March 2019, and fellow unbeaten man Bauza (17-0 7 KOs) will want to spoil his return to action in the Big Apple. The Puerto Rican from NJ faces both his first title bout and first battle over ten rounds in the paid ranks on the night. Bauza was a national champion the same year that Hitchins represented Haiti in the 2016 Olympics and the pair are familiar with each other having sparred in the past.

“I’m excited to come back home and showcase my talent in front of my city and my #1 fans,” said Hitchins. “When I signed with Eddie, he promised he was going to turn me into a star and having the opportunity to come back so quickly after my last fight, and do it at home, man I’m just so grateful for this.

“Bauza is no joke, we know each other, but these are the type of fights I want. I’m fighting a young, hungry, undefeated prospect like myself, but I truly believe I’m the best 140 pounder in the world and come fight night I’m going to show him I am on a whole other level. February 4th is going to be a very special night for me, and I just can’t wait to be back in front of my hometown fans and show the world that I am a problem at 140 lbs.”

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while now and finally it’s here,” said Bauza. “On February 4, I graduate from prospect to legitimate world contender. This is a huge opportunity for me to showcase myself and I plan on putting on a spectacular performance.

“I know Richardson well, we’ve sparred before. I respect him as a fighter but he’s simply not on my level and at MSG, he’s going to realize that awfully quick.”

Staten Island talent Reshat Mati lands a big step up in his second title fight as he challenges on fellow New Yorker Cletus Seldin for his WBA NABA Super-Lightweight title. Mati (13-0 7 KOs) picked up the WBC Youth title at 140lbs in Mexico City in October in a tough tussle with Eduardo Rodriguez, outpointing the Mexican in his first ten round action.

Experienced banger Seldin (26-1 22 KOs) will provide an even tougher test in Mati’s second bout with a belt on the line, with ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ will want to extend his five fight KO winning streak as he returns to the ring for the first time since October 2021 when he knocked out William Silva in his Brooklyn backyard.

There are two more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap.

Nicolson (5-0) will look to bag belt number two just one month shy of a full year in the paid ranks having bagged the Commonwealth title on home turf in Queensland in October, completing a unique double having won Commonwealth gold for her country in the same state in 2018. It will be a night of firsts for Spaniard Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) as ‘La Violenca’ fights outside of Spain for the first time and in her first ten round bout for a belt.

Ali (7-0 2 KOs) and Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) also fight for their first title in the paid ranks, with Somali Olympian Ali heading into the contest after recording her second KO win and second in the first session of a fight in Saudi Arabia, the first female fight held in the country, while Florida based Aussie Mathie kept her unbeaten record intact with victory in her only fight of 2022 in June in Atlanta.

Two more undefeated fighters taste action on the card as Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) looks to get back to winning ways against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) following his entertaining split draw on the Canelo-GGG card in Las Vegas in September, and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) fights in New York for the first time against Mexico’s Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs).

“What a start to 2023 we have in store in New York,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The women continue to lead the way in undisputed fights, and we have two of the very best in action on February 4.

“Puerto Rico vs. Mexico fights always deliver fireworks, and we can expect nothing less when Amanda and Erika meet. Their clash of styles will make for a brilliant spectacle as Amanda and her army of fans returns to the scene of her history-making fight of the year with Katie, and we can expect a similar atmosphere to one of the greatest nights the sport has ever seen.

“Alycia was one of the standout fighters in 2022 and she has the undisputed battle she wanted the moment she ripped the titles from Terri in the UK – but what a golden opportunity for Ehlem to upset the odds.

“Reshat is in deep with the big hitting ‘Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin and Skye and Ramla both have big title fights that could be crucial on their paths to World title action.

“I cannot wait for February 4, it’s a stacked card from top to bottom and a great way for us to kick off a huge year for Matchroom on DAZN.”

“What a way to kick off our US boxing schedule with two blockbuster undisputed fights at the Garden! We are incredibly excited to be working with Amanda, Jake, Nakisa and the MVP team once again, and to have one of the best around, Alycia Baumgardner, back on DAZN. Both are truly exceptional fighters. Watch this brilliant fight night, live worldwide on DAZN”, said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. SERRANO VS. CRUZ

FIGHT CARD
Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz Hernandez; For the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO women’s featherweight world titles
Alycia Baumgardner vs. Elhem Mekhaled; For the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO women’s super featherweight world titles
Richard Hitchins vs. John Bauza; Super lightweight
Skye Nicolson vs. Tania Alvarez; Women’s featherweight
Shadasia Green vs. Elin Cederroos; Women’s super middleweight
Ramala Ali vs. Avril Mathie; Women’s super bantamweight
Yankiel Rivera Figueroa vs. Fernando Diaz; Flyweight
Aaron Aponte vs. Joshua David Rivera; Super lightweight
Harley Mederos vs. Julio Madera; Lightweight

NFL Transactions 2-2-23

NFL Editor
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NFL Transactions 2-2-23

​​​​​​​​​​​​​The following are the NFL transactions for Thursday, February 2. Transactions will be published each day after they are circulated to NFL clubs. This public version will include waiver requests, assignments via waivers, terminations, free agent signings, reserve list and practice squad additions and deletions, and trades. 

RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS

BALTIMORE
    Sharpe, DavidTFlorida   
         Free Agent Signing
         Reserve/Future

LAS VEGAS
    Murray, JustinTCincinnati   
         Free Agent Signing
         Reserve/Future

PHILADELPHIA
    Siposs, ArrynPAuburn   
         Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return
         (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS)

OTHER TRANSACTION/COMMENTS

RETURNED TO PRACTICE

PHILADELPHIA
    Siposs, ArrynPAuburn   
         Remains on Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return

MBB-D2: Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm (16-3) at Henderson State Reddies (8-11)

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MBB-D2: Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm (16-3) at Henderson State Reddies (8-11)

After weather in the surrounding area postponed this game for 24 hours, Henderson State will face off against the No. 20 Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm for the second time this season. Tip-off from inside the Duke Wells Center is set for Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
 
REDDIES REPORT
The last time out on the floor, Henderson kept at Southeastern Oklahoma State’s hip before the lethal three-point shooting of the Savage Storm took over, earning them the victory in Durant, Oklahoma, 99-73. Southeastern shot 18-of-37 (48.6%) from behind the arc and 35-of-66 (53.0%) from the field while getting a career-high 34 points from SE big man Kyle Leslie, 24 of which came from three-point territory (8-15).
 
Saturday was the Reddies’ first time to score over 70 points since their win at Oklahoma Baptist back on Jan. 5. Henderson had four guys score in double figures for the eighth time this season. Franck Kamgain led the scoring with 17 points, followed by Tomislav Miholjcic (16), Zyon Patterson (10) and Malik Riddle (10), who has now scored in double figures in six straight contests.
 
Henderson has struggled to generate much offense as of late, averaging 5.7 assists per outing since their last home victory against Arkansas-Monticello. In its wins this season, HSU has recorded 13 assists per game. In its losses, it has mustered just 8.5 per game. Alvin Miles continues to fill the facilitator role, averaging 3.6 assists a contest, which is fifth in the GAC.
 
The Reddies have dropped four straight against the conference’s current top team and have not beaten Southern Nazarene in Arkadelphia since the 2019-20 season – the year HSU won the GAC Tournament. In head coach Jimmy Elgas‘ eight years at the helm of the program, Henderson has defeated the Crimson Storm inside the Duke Wells Center twice.
 
In the season’s first matchup against SNU, Kamgain and Miholjcic were the only two Reddies to score in double figures as Southern Nazarene came away with the victory, 70-48. The Crimson Storm shot better than 50.0 percent from both the field and from behind the arc, where they went 10-of-19 (52.6%).   
 
SCOUTING NO. 20 SOUTHERN NAZARENE
After starting out the season receiving votes in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll, Southern Nazarene has won 16 of 19 games this season to climb to No. 20 in the latest installment of the NABC rankings. The Crimson Storm are currently riding a six-game winning streak, defeating teams by an average of 22.2 points during that span.
 
At 12-1 in league play, SNU’s one loss came on the road in Russellville earlier this year. Southern Nazarene is 7-3 away from the Sawyer Center as opposed to 9-0 when playing at home. Opposing offenses are faring a little bit better against the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense (56.8 ppg) when playing away from the Crimson Storm’s home base, scoring 59 points per game as opposed to 53 points.
 
In addition to defense, SNU also boasts the top three-point shooting percentage in the GAC and the 10th best mark in Division II at 40.4 percent. Sophomore guard Eain Mowat leads the conference at 49.1 percent (27-55) from long range. Mowat and leading-scorer Tyler McGhie combined for 30 points while hitting 7-of-12 treys against HSU in the season’s first meeting.

WBB-D2: Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm (15-4) at Henderson State Reddies (11-8)

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WBB-D2: Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm (15-4) at Henderson State Reddies (11-8)

The Henderson State women’s basketball program returns home to host first-place Southern Nazarene on Friday, Feb. 3, with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m. inside the Duke Wells Center.
 
REDDIES REPORT
Henderson (11-8, 8-5) is on a two-game win streak after defeating Southeastern Oklahoma State 61-52 in its last game. The Reddies were led by Ashley Farrar, who posted her third double-double of the season against the Savage Storm with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
 
HSU’s defense has tightened up recently, holding its last six opponents to an average of 62 points per game. Against Southeastern Oklahoma State, the Reddies held the Savage Storm to single-digit points in the second and third periods and gave up their fewest total points of the season (52). Across all games, Henderson ranks eighth in scoring defense in the GAC, giving up 66.7 points a contest.  
 
Farrar recorded back-to-back 20-point games against East Central and Southeastern Oklahoma State, and she now has scored double-digit points in 17 games this season. The Green Forest, Ark. native is averaging a GAC-best 20.2 points a game and is backed by Abbie Jiles and Gracie Raby, who are scoring 12.1 and 10.9 an outing, respectively.
 
In the reverse fixture, the Reddies fell to the Crimson Storm 63-47 inside the Sawyer Center. SNU was able to knock HSU’s offense out of rhythm and hold them to its lowest points total of the year. Sonni Martin led the team that afternoon with 18 points and was 4-7 from the three-point line.
 
Henderson has a good home record against Southern Nazarene, winning six of the nine games in the Duke Wells Center. However, the Crimson Storm have won three straight contests over the Reddies, including a 66-62 win in Arkadelphia. HSU and SNU have played each other evenly through 20 games, as each side has won 10 contests.
 
SCOUTING SOUTHERN NAZARENE
The Crimson Storm enter the game versus Henderson in first place in the GAC with a 15-4 record. Last time out, SNU beat Southern Arkansas 75-74 to improve to 12-1 in conference play, with the lone loss coming against Harding, 75-65.
 
Hannah Giddey and Cassandra Awatt lead SNU’s stout defense that gives up the fewest points a contest in the GAC (57.6 ppg). Giddey ranks second in the nation across Division II in blocks per game with 2.7 and recorded five against HSU in the first meeting. Awatt creates havoc for opposing offenses as she has a GAC-best 52 steals.
 
Along with being a strong defender, Awatt is second in the GAC in rebounds, grabbing 8.7 a game and is averaging 13.5 points. Georgia Adams, who did not feature in the first meeting between SNU and HSU, is Southern Nazarene’s top scorer with 15.3 points a game and shooting 43.9 percent from the field. Against Southern Arkansas, Adams was one of five players to reach double-digit scoring figures with 15 points.

Big Heavyweight Matchup Between Brian Howard and Junior Wright Headlines RDR Promotions Mega Card on Saturday, March 4th

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Big Heavyweight Matchup Between Brian Howard and Junior Wright Headlines RDR Promotions Mega Card on Saturday, March 4th

NEWTOWN PA – On Saturday March 4th, RDR Promotions will present a massive night of boxing at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

The potential 16 bout card will be headlined by heavyweights Brian Howard and former world title challenger Junior Wright Squaring off in an eight-round bout.

Howard of Loganville, Georgia has a record of 15-5 with 12 knockouts. The 42 year-old Howard has wins over Yuwshua Zadok (1-0), Chris Stallworth (9-2), Alex Guerrero (12-0-1), Shawndell Winters (8-0), Carlos Negron (20-2). Howard is coming off la oss to Efe Ajagba on April 10, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Wright of Evanston, Illinois is 19-4-1 with 16 knockouts. The 36 year-old Wright has victories over Nick Reader (3-0-1), Nick Kisner (12-0-1). On May 21, 2016, Wright challenged Beibut Shumenov for the WBA Cruiserweight title. Wright was stopped in 10 -rounds in a fight that took place in Las Vegas. Wright is coming off a vicious third-round stoppage over Colby Madison on October 1, 2022 in Philadelphia.

In a six-round bout, undefeated lightweight Rashan Adams steps up to face veteran Oscar Barajas.

Adams of Philadelphia is 4-0 with three knockouts. The 24 year-old is coming off a first round stoppage over Kevin Smith on October 22, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Barajas of Zamora, Mexico is 18-8-1 with eight knockouts. The 32 year-old Barajas had defeated Roxie Lam (7-1) as well Edgardo Navarrete Correa (11-2). Barajas has developed into a “Philly-Killer” as he has defeated two favorites from the City of Brotherly Love in Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1).

In Six-Round Bouts:

Daiyaan Butt (13-2, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

Mark Dawson (10-1-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Laquan Evans (5-2-2, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Eliezer Olmeda (3-2) of Gloucester City, NJ in a welterweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Isaiah Johnson (6-0, 5 KOs) of Sicklerville, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight fight.

Nimal Farmer (2-0, 2 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

Nasir Mickens (2-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Juan Gutierrez (0-3) of Esteil, Nicaragua in a super bantamweight fight.

Dominique Mayfield (2-1) of Philadelphia takes on Jerome Aiken (1-6-1, 1 KO) of Annapolis, MD in a heavyweight bout.

Ghandi Romain of Union City, NJ will make his pro debut against Jeremiah Kendrick (1-3, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight bout.

Erron Peterson (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Tariq Green (2-2) of Philadelphia in a middleweight clash.

Najeem Johns (2-0, 2 KOs) of Darby, PA tussles with Leonidas Fowlkes (2-12-1) of Winchester, VA in a super lightweight battle.

Brendan O’Callaghan (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Soslan Alborov (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight fight.

Seeing action against opponents to be named will be heavyweight Jonathan Wiles (0-2) of Philadelphia, featherweight Rasheen Brown (11-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia and junior welterweight Roberto Gomez (5-1, 5 KOs) of Mexico City.

First Bout at 5 PM ET

The Newtown Athletic Club is located at 120 Pheasant, Newtown PA 18940

NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks (26-26) at Utah Jazz (27-26)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks (26-26) at Utah Jazz (27-26)

Judging Wednesday’s performance, nobody would guess the Atlanta Hawks came into their 132-100 blowout win at Phoenix with a losing record and having lost four of five games.

That happened early and often, leading to a result that made the Hawks look like the team that won five in a row before their recent slide.

The Hawks shot over 57 percent from the field (52 for 91) and from 3-point range (19 for 33). The Suns were limited to 40.7 percent shooting overall while only connecting on 4 of 28 from 3-point range.

Murray scored 21, Trae Young contributed 20 points and 12 assists, Bogdan Bogdanovic had 18 points and Onyeka Okongwu hit all seven field-goal attempts en route to 17 points for the Hawks, who evened their record to 26-26.

Atlanta will continue its five-game road trip in Salt Lake City on Friday against the Utah Jazz, who also are coming off a nice – albeit more competitive — win.

Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 28 points and 13 rebounds, while rookie Walker Kessler amassed 17 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocked shots in Utah’s 131-128 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Jordan Clarkson added 23 points, with Mike Conley totaling 19 points, including a pair of late clutch free throws, and eight assists. His three-point play put Utah up 120-113 with 2:13 left.

Malik Beasley (14 points) and Collin Sexton (12) also hit double digits in scoring.

One of those games happened in Atlanta on Nov. 9 when the Jazz blew a 15-point lead before edging the Hawks 125-119. Utah outscored Atlanta 40-29 in the fourth quarter to rally for the win.

Markkanen topped all scorers in that one with 32 points while draining six of Utah’s 17 3-pointers. Those two themes — Markkanen scoring a lot and the Jazz hitting a bunch of 3s — remain in place for the Jazz three months later.

NBA Preview: Philadelphia Sixers (33-17) at San Antonio Spurs (14-38)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Philadelphia Sixers (33-17) at San Antonio Spurs (14-38)

The Philadelphia 76ers will carry plenty of momentum as they begin a three-game road trip in San Antonio against the struggling Spurs on Friday.

The 76ers have won eight of their past nine games and will square off against a San Antonio squad that has dropped 15 of its past 17 outings. The Spurs beat Philadelphia on the road in the first week of the season but plenty of water has flowed underneath the bridge since Oct. 22.

Philadelphia’s most recent contest was a 105-94 home win over Orlando on Wednesday behind Joel Embiid’s 28 points and 11 rebounds. James Harden scored 26 points on 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc and added 10 assists and nine rebounds in the victory, which avenged a loss to the Magic two days earlier.

Tobias Harris tallied 16 points for the 76ers, while Tyrese Maxey added 10 off the bench. Philadelphia led by just four points entering the final quarter but turned it on late with its defense, limiting Orlando to just two points over the final 4:30 of the game.

Harris’ play on the defensive end drew Rivers’ praise.

The game is the last at home for the Spurs before their annual “Rodeo Road Trip,” in which they play nine straight contests on the road from Feb. 6-28. San Antonio has dropped 10 consecutive games away from home.

The Spurs have lost seven straight games, the most recent a 119-109 decision to Sacramento on Wednesday. Rookie Malaki Branham hit for a career-best 22 points for San Antonio while Josh Richardson had 19 points, Jakob Poeltl added 18 points and 12 rebounds, Keldon Johnson also had 18 points and Zach Collins scored 14 for the Spurs.

San Antonio trailed by just five points but surrendered a 17-5 run over a three-minute span in the middle of the final quarter that was too much to overcome.

The Spurs played without Tre Jones (left foot) and Jeremy Sochan (lower back) after first-quarter injuries that would keep them out for the rest of the game. The pair’s availability for Friday’s contest is to be determined.

NBA Preview: Orlando Magic (20-32) at Minnesota Timberwolves (28-26)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Orlando Magic (20-32) at Minnesota Timberwolves (28-26)

The Minnesota Timberwolves will continue a six-game homestand on Friday when they welcome the Orlando Magic to Minneapolis.

Orlando comes into Friday’s contest playing the third of four straight road games after back-to-back matchups with the 76ers in Philadelphia. The Magic split the pair, winning 119-109 on Monday behind 29 points from Paolo Banchero and 12 points with 10 assists from Markelle Fultz.

Orlando could not replicate its offensive success in the rematch on Wednesday, collectively shooting 37.9 percent from the floor in a 105-94 loss. The defeat marked the Magic’s first game failing to score at least 100 points since Dec. 18.

The Magic rank fourth-to-last in the NBA in both scoring offense (110.9 points per game) and assists per game (22.6). They are also fifth-to-last in field goals made per contest at 40.0.

Since the beginning of January while playing with a more consistent lineup — Wendell Carter Jr. and Gary Harris both returned from lengthy absences just before the start of the new year — Orlando’s improved its scoring output to 113.8 points per game. The Magic have played close to .500 basketball in those 15 games since Jan. 4 despite the backslide in Philadelphia.

While Orlando looks to move to 8-8 in 2023, it must slow a Minnesota team that has been surging since the calendar turned.

The Timberwolves improved to 12-5 in 2023 with their fourth win in the last five outings, besting Golden State in overtime on Wednesday, 119-114.

D’Angelo Russell scored 29 points and shot 7 of 17 from 3-point range against his former team, including four made 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.

Anthony Edwards scored 27 points and dished five assists. Edwards has scored at least 23 points in each of Minnesota’s last eight games — a stretch in which the Timberwolves are 6-2.

Naz Reid — making his eighth start of the season — delivered with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Reid filled in for Rudy Gobert, who was a late scratch due to groin soreness, and he both started and finished Wednesday’s win, the latter with emphasis.

Reid’s dunk after following his own missed 3-point attempt extended Minnesota’s lead to two possessions in the final nine seconds, effectively putting Golden State away.

The win marked Minnesota’s second overtime contest in as many outings, following a 118-111 loss on Monday to the Sacramento Kings.

The Timberwolves aim to complete the season sweep of the Magic, having won at Orlando 126-108 on Nov. 16.

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