Kevin Dunleavy

College football Week 10 games to watch

GAME OF THE WEEK No. 6 LSU at No. 3 Alabama Players to watch Terrelle Pryor For the first time in his college career, the quarterback for No. 16 Ohio State (7-2) returns to his home state in what promises to be a hostile reception at No. 11 Penn State (8-1). The Lions won last year in Columbus, 13-6, en route to the Big Ten title. Toby Gerhart The Stanford running back has the size (6-1, 235) and skin color for comparison to former Cardinal star Tommy Vardell. Gerhart (994 yards, 13 TD) leads Stanford (5-3) against visiting No. 8 Oregon (7-1), a possible trap game for the Ducks after their win over USC. Steve Anderson Leading the Army defense at linebacker, the Damascus graduate...

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Identity change at Navy

Defense-minded Mids prepare for challenge at No. 17 Notre Dame Navy's identity is its triple option offense. The Midshipmen run it with such military precision that they have led the nation in rushing the last four years. But this season, Navy has been more about defense. With a yield of 315.6 yards per game, the Mids are No. 27 in the nation in total defense, easily their highest rank since Paul Johnson brought the triple-option attack to Navy in 2002. Meanwhile, the injury-riddled offense ranks No. 79, by far their lowest rank in the triple-option era. Saturday when Navy (6-3) travels to Notre Dame (7-2) for the 83rd game of their storied rivalry, the Mids will be counting on...

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No loss of productivity or intensity for Wujciak

In down season, Terps linebacker always up It was another offseason of uncertainty for Maryland middle linebacker Alex Wujciak. He had his third knee operation in less than two years, sat out spring practice and watched as others got acclimated to a new defensive system and coordinator Don Brown. But once this year began, Wujciak resumed his role as the undisputed leader of the Terrapins defense. The junior has 88 tackles, 40 more than any other Terp, ranking No. 7 in the nation (11.0 per game). Last year, Wujciak had 133 tackles to rank No. 12 (10.2 per game). UP NEXT » Maryland @ N.C. State Where » Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, N.C. When » Saturday, 1...

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TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm lands Senior Players Championship

Tournament moves from Baltimore to renovated course Next year, Tiger Woods will move the AT&T National from Congressional Country Club to Aronimink in the suburbs of Philadelphia. But that doesn't mean the Washington area will be shut out of professional golf. Filling the void for 2010 will be the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship. The tournament, hosted the last three years by Baltimore Country Club, will move to the newly renovated and renamed TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm. Changes everywhere » The last time a Champions Tour event was played in the Washington area was 1995, when Congressional hosted the U.S. Senior Open. » The Melwood Prince...

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Unforgettable knockout of Notre Dame still fresh for Midshipmen

Quarterback Dobbs is back in the lineup Wyatt Middleton had a concussion at the time, but has no difficulty recalling his feelings from Navy's historic 2007 upset of Notre Dame, which halted the NCAA's longest losing streak of all time -- 43 games. "I remember running out on the field and thinking, 'Wow, we really did this,'" said Middleton, a senior safety. "The crowd was silent. They were like, 'Wow, this really happened.' But at the same time they were supportive of us. That was shocking to me." After defensive end Michael Walsh, who still is with the Midshipmen, and linebacker Matt Wimsatt tackled Travis Thomas behind the line of scrimmage on a two-point...

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For Skins fans, I-95 envy

It was a bye week for the Washington Redskins. But for their fans, there was no respite from the Sunday aggravation on TV. In the marquee games on FOX and CBS, fans in Baltimore and Philadelphia, just up I-95, were fired up and enjoying uplifting victories. Ah, football, the way it was meant to be. While the Ravens were putting a sleeper hold on the previously undefeated Broncos, 30-7, the Eagles were all over the 2007 Super Bowl champion Giants, 40-17. Here in Washington, we view Baltimore as a goofy little brother, the one who flips his eyelids inside out at Thanksgiving. But when it comes to football, it's the Ravens' organization that consistently fields a quality product. Sunday...

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At emotional Lambeau, Favre stands, delivers

Brett Favre was lustily booed in his return to Lambeau Field Sunday. But that only made the stage more dramatic as the gunslinger delivered silencers. Favre's four touchdown passes paved the way in the Vikings' 38-26 win over the Packers. Afterward, Favre was deeply moved. In an on-field TV interview he nearly broke down, stopping in mid-sentence and looking down to signal he had nothing more to say. He was more composed later in a press conference. "It was about what I expected," said Favre of the loud reception. "It was probably worse every time I took the field. I consider it a good thing -- better than saying nothing, I guess." In two wins over his former team...

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Temple, Pierce too much for Navy, 27-24

Freshman back rolls for 267 yards in come-from-behind win ANNAPOLIS — Temple hasn’t been to a bowl game in 30 years. Navy has gone the last six. Saturday when the teams met, however, Temple freshman Bernard Pierce flipped the script. Rushing 29 times for 267 yards and two touchdowns, Pierce propelled Temple to a 27-24 victory before 28,305 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. With the Halloween victory, the Owls became bowl eligible, while Navy must wait at least another week to clinch a berth. “We have had some great team wins. This was a great team loss,” said Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo. “There is blame to go all around and it starts with me. I did a...

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No guts leads to glory at Navy

Pound-for-pound, undersized tackles are measuring up Weighing 280 pounds last year, Navy's Matt Molloy was lighter than the average starting tackle in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) by 21 pounds. When Molloy decided to get smaller, however, none of his coaches protested. At Navy (6-2), offensive tackles are better equipped to deal with the demands of the triple-option offense -- as well as the rigors of the academy -- if they are lighter and quicker. When Molloy reported to camp this summer, he was a lean 260 pounds. But even with 20 fewer pounds, the 6-foot-3 junior was still the heaviest starting tackle on the Midshipmen offensive line. On the other side is...

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Virginia Tech lights up Thursday nights

ESPN's go-to team faces North Carolina When Virginia Tech plays host to North Carolina Thursday night, it will be the eighth straight year that ESPN has broadcast a Thursday night game from Blacksburg. The sports network revels in the raucous atmosphere at Lane Stadium. And the school rises when the bright lights go on. Tech has a 15-4 record on ESPN Thursday night, including an 11-game winning streak (1999-2005). According to coach Frank Beamer, the exposure has helped catapult Tech to national powerhouse status. "I like to play on Thursdays. It's kind of like Monday night for the NFL," said Beamer. "Playing in Blacksburg, it has become a special thing. Our fans make...

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Rapidly improving Temple will be a formidable foe for Navy

No team has had a better view of the rapid ascent of the Temple football program than Navy. In each of the last three seasons under former Virginia defensive coordinator Al Golden, the Owls have been a tougher out for the Midshipmen. Last year, Navy needed a spectacular comeback from 20 points down to subdue Temple in overtime, 33-27. With the catalyst for that victory, Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs, out with a knee injury, the Midshipmen (6-2) are preparing for a difficult task Saturday in Annapolis. "They're a good football team," said Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo. "We in for a big challenge. We have out work cut out for us." Temple (5-2) enters on a five-game...

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The return of a forgotten QB

Trailing at Houston, 21-0, Sunday, San Francisco coach Mike Singletary had seen enough. After watching his offense struggle for the previous six quarters, he replaced quarterback Shaun Hill with Alex Smith. The Niners lost, 24-21. But with the quarterback change, Singletary might have re-discovered a one-time prodigy and re-directed the course of the season. Smith, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, completed 15 of 22 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, all to tight end Vernon Davis, to rally San Francisco to the brink of victory. Smith threw an interception in the final minute to seal the Niners' fate, but he's likely to be under center next Sunday when San Francisco...

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Generation next in golf's overlooked season

After the FedEx Cup, the PGA Tour's fall series is relegated to the Golf Channel and strained story lines about players trying to retain their playing privileges. But Sunday, the Frys.com Open in Scottsdale, Ariz., was an intriguing look at two of golf's next generation of stars as Jamie Lovemark, 21, and Rickie Fowler, 20, battled veteran Troy Matteson, 29, in a playoff. With a brilliant 6-iron shot from 185 yards out to within 2 feet on the second playoff hole, Matteson made the winning birdie to claim the tournament for the second time and assure his slot on the 2010 PGA Tour. But the event was notable for the play of the 6-foot-4 Lovemark, who won the NCAA championship as a...

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Proctor, Murray propel Navy past Wake, 13-10

Even in a deluge, with new QB and without throwing a pass, Mids offense runs smoothly against the Demon Deacons ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Navy’s vaunted triple-option offense faced two operational hazards Saturday – a driving rainstorm and a new quarterback. But against visiting Wake Forest, the Midshipmen survived the elements and the starting debut of sophomore Kriss Proctor in a 13-10 homecoming victory before 31,907 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. MIDS GET THEIR KICKS » Junior Joe Buckley’s 50-yard field goal in the first quarter was the longest for Navy in two years. » Navy junior punter Kyle Delahooke’s first punt went for a career-high...

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Nelson lands on his feet

Once jilted by Clemson, Germantown RB finds stardom at UMass Tony Nelson remembers a summer day more than five years ago when he sat in the office of then Clemson football coach Tommy Bowden and listened to his compelling sales pitch, delivered in a charming Southern drawl. Nelson, a standout running back at Northwest High in Germantown, accepted Clemson's scholarship offer, only to be jilted later by Bowden, three weeks before he was set to sign a National Letter of Intent. Losing his chance to play Division I-A football was difficult to accept. But things have worked out for Nelson, who has rushed for 2,423 yards, ranking No. 6 all-time at Division I-AA...

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College football Week 8 Five to watch

Jake Locker With a strong arm and 4.4 speed in the 40, the Washington star could be the top QB selected in the 2010 NFL Draft. The junior engineered a home upset of USC. Could he and the Huskies (3-4) pull off another one at home against No. 12 Oregon (5-1)? Tony Moeaki The Iowa TE came up big in victories over Michigan and Wisconsin. This week, QB Ricky Stanzi and the No. 9 Hawkeyes (7-0) may need another heroic performance from the 6-2, 250-pound senior as Iowa faces another tough road test at Michigan State (4-3). Blaine Gabbert The Missouri QB will take his shot at No. 3 Texas Saturday night on ABC. After throwing 11 TDs and no interceptions in leading Missouri to four...

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College football Week 8 capsules

No. 11 Georgia Tech at Virginia Where » Scott Stadium, Charlottesville When » Saturday, noon TV » WDCA My 20 Radio » 570AM Virginia (3-3), the only team left in the ACC without a league loss, has turned its season around by protecting the ball. After committing 10 turnovers in losing their first three, the Cavaliers have had just one turnover and forced nine in winning their last three. This is a good time to catch Georgia Tech (6-1) as it comes off its first win over a top-5 team in 47 years, 28-23, over Virginia Tech. QB Josh Nesbitt (151 carries, 625 yards) and RB Jonathan Dwyer (99 carries, 593 yards) lead the nation's No. 1 rushing...

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Terps' Pinegar makes grade

Sherwood graduate earns scholarship as walk-on at Maryland His high school coach thought Division III McDaniel was a good fit. But that didn't fit Paul Pinegar's ambition. He wanted to play Division I at a big state school, on television and in front of big crowds. After all, if his grandfather, a lineman at Ohio State, could do it, so could he. So Pinegar took his best shot as a walk-on at Maryland. Three years later, he won a starting job and a scholarship. This season, along with senior center Paul Costa, Pinegar is a rare commodity. The junior tackle is one of the few offensive linemen coach Ralph Friedgen can count on. Costa and Pinegar are the only blockers who have started all...

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Murray wins fullback job

Strong work in Texas earns junior a start It took Vince Murray three seasons to get his first carry in the Navy backfield. But the Midshipmen fullback is making the most of his long-awaited opportunity. Subbing for injured Alexander Teich during the Mids' Texas two-step, Murray carried 34 times for 203 yards and three touchdowns in wins over Rice and SMU to earn the starting job. "Vince has been playing well," said Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo. "Normally a guy doesn't lose his position with an injury. But it's hard right now with the chemistry Vince has [provided], to take him out." Chemistry is key in Navy's triple-option offense, which demands precision and...

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Dobbs' status undecided

Injured last weekend, Navy QB evaluated What would happen to the Navy offense without quarterback Ricky Dobbs? The answer could come Saturday against visiting Wake Forest. Dobbs, the nation's leading scorer with 16 touchdowns, was injured Saturday at SMU. The junior did not practice Tuesday. He wore a brace on his right leg that ran from his thigh to his ankle. "I don't know -- day-to-day," said Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo. "He's been kind of banged up. He's had some tough ball games." Dobbs was hurt on Navy's second snap Saturday, but continued to play all the way to the end of Navy's 38-35 overtime win at SMU. He participated in Monday's light workout. But was...

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They might not be Giants

As the New York Football Giants rolled to five straight victories, the assumption was that they were as formidable as ever. An offseason of tweaks, after losing Plaxico Burress (prison), had souped the Giants passing game and put them back on track for their second Super Bowl in three years. But Sunday at New Orleans, the Giants were exposed. In losing to the Saints, 48-27, the New York defense gave up more points in a game than it had in 10 years. The last team to score that many on the Giants were the 1999 Redskins of Steven Davis, Brad Johnson and Michael Westbrook. In Eli Manning's hometown, Saints quarterback Drew Brees completed 23 of 30 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns....

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Taking care of business and working overtime

College football's overtime format (placing the ball at the 25-yard line for alternate possessions) has been much criticized. But it suits the Navy Midshipmen just fine. With Saturday's 38-35 overtime win at Southern Methodist, Navy has won five straight games that have gone to extra time. "These kids are unbelievable. Just when you think they can't one-up themselves, they pull out another big win," said coach Ken Niumatalolo. "Our kids are very resilient. Our kids are fighters. Even when the odds are stacked against them, they continue to plug away." It was a big win considering that Navy's next four opponents have wining records. The Mids (5-2) need two victories...

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Deluge of turnovers dooms Terps in 20-9 loss to Cavaliers

Saturday at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, the loudest boos of the afternoon were reserved for an unsuspecting referee early in the second half when he announced a “media timeout.” With rain pelting College Park and the Maryland football team fumbling away chances to take control of a dreadful game against docile Virginia, fans were in no mood to wait. TERPS NOTES » Three Washington-area players, all sophomores, contributed for the Cavaliers’ defense. S Rodney McLeod (DeMatha) had five tackles and forced a fumble, LB Cam Johnson (Gonzaga) had five tackles, and NG Nick Jenkins (Good Counsel) plugged the middle. » The Terps have committed 20 turnovers...

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College football Week 7 games to watch

Game of the week 5 TO WATCH Sam Bradford » The Heisman-winning Oklahoma QB returned to the lineup last week after he was out a month with a shoulder injury and passed for 389 yards in a win over Baylor. Saturday he and the No. 20 Sooners (3-2) face Colt McCoy and No. 3 Texas (5-0). Pat Angerer » The senior LB leads the disruptive defense of No. 14 Iowa (6-0) at Wisconsin (5-1). Iowa is No. 2 in the nation in forcing turnovers (19). Angerer will be focused on Wisconsin RB John Clay, the nation’s No. 17 rusher, who is averaging 106.8 yards per game. Ryan Mallett » The hulking (6-7, 240) sophomore QB piloted Arkansas to an upset of Auburn last week, completing 24...

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Expectations are high in College Park

Coming off a 21-14 season in which his team exceeded all reasonable expectations by reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Maryland coach Gary Williams laid out the plan for an encore performance at Terps Media Day Thursday. "This year, the key thing is to go from there," said Williams. "We want to start Saturday, from that point." With that, the 2009-10 Terps have their mission statement. Friday night the Terps will hold their annual Maryland Madness at Comcast Center, before practice begins Saturday. With eight of their top nine scorers back, joined by freshmen forwards James Padgett and Jordan Williams, expectations are high. But Williams knows it...

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A homecoming in the heart of Texas?

Traveling to Texas for two straight weeks has given several Navy Midshipmen a chance to play in front of family and friends. In all, 28 Midshipmen hail from Texas, more than any other state. With a win Saturday night at SMU (3-2), Navy (4-2) can take a giant step toward securing a seventh straight bowl appearance. This year, the trip will be to Houston's Reliant Stadium for the Texas Bowl. "When I found that out, I was grinning from ear to ear," said Navy guard and co-captain Osei Asanti, who played at Houston's Cypress Ridge High. "When I go home, it will be a true honor to bring my collegiate career to an end in Houston, Texas, at home." Three of the Mids' four...

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Can Clausen-Barkley make like Quinn-Leinart?

Four years ago, when USC and Notre Dame staged a spectacular shootout in Irish coach Charlie Weis' rookie season, Jimmy Clausen was in the stands as an Irish recruit. But he wasn't in his seat during the heart-stopping final seconds when USC quarterback Matt Leinart scored the winning touchdown for the then No. 1 Trojans. "We were on the field, about ready to storm the field," said Clausen. "It was a dramatic ending. That's what I remember." That game helped Clausen decide that Notre Dame was the place for him. Saturday in South Bend, the junior hopes he can author a similarly memorable game as he takes on USC and freshman quarterback Matt Barkley. Clausen and...

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Reviewing the year in local golf

Woods' triumph at Congressional topped a memorable season In July, when tournament host Tiger Woods presented himself the trophy for winning the AT&T National, the area had its signature golf moment of 2009 and a memorable sendoff as the tournament leaves Congressional Country Club to make way for the 2011 U.S. Open. Here are some other local golf story lines: Sponsors leaving » Sponsors are fleeing professional golf and the region has not been spared. Two prominent women's tournaments, the McDonald's LPGA Championship at Bulle Rock and the Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill, have lost their sponsors and will not return to the region. In addition, the Senior Players...

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Courses You Can Play » Pennsylvania course is for those with a driving ambition

Location » Abbottstown, Pa. Phone » 717-624-9551 Fees » Weekdays $45; Weekend $49 Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope » 72/6713/71.7/132 Description » The Bridges is one of several excellent courses in the Gettysburg area of Southern Pennsylvania, 90 minutes from Washington. Traversing scenic woodland and wetlands, the 14-year-old course is mostly open, with trouble looming on the large, severely-sloped greens. Reasons to play » Fast, true greens, excellent conditions, attractive landscaping and an interesting, varied layout. Uncrowded course with relaxed pace. Turf driving range and inexpensive play-and-stay option in roomy clubhouse. Bridges? »...

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A rivalry renewed

Okay, it's only an NBA preseason game, but with the Wizards set to play at Cleveland tonight (CSN), this is a chance to revisit a heated rivalry. For three straight years (2006-08), Cleveland eliminated Washington from the playoffs in the opening round. Here are five memorable moments from Wizards-Cavs lore: 5. Jamison vs. LeBron (2007) » With Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler out with season-ending injuries, it's up to Antawn Jamison to carry the offense in the opening round of the playoffs. Jamison (32 points per game, 9.8 rpg) does his part, but doesn't get enough help as Washington is abused on the boards, 196-136, in a four game sweep. After getting benched in Game 4, Wizards...

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Navy remains well-grounded against Rice

After his team's 16-13 win over Air Force, in which the Navy defense out performed its struggling offense, Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo bristled at the suggestion that the Midshipmen were undergoing an identity change. After leading the NCAA in rushing the previous four years, the yards have been harder to gain in 2009. "We have a long season to go. We'll be OK. We usually haven't played Ohio State and Pitt," said Niumatalolo. "I'm not worried about it. We'll be all right." In Saturday's 63-17 win at Rice, the Navy offense justified Niumatalolo's stance, rushing 80 times for 471 yards, possessing the ball for 40:36 of the game's 60 minutes, and making no...

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Top 10: Presidents Cup moments

The Presidents Cup is only in its eighth iteration. In the biannual team competition between the best golfers in the U.S. and their counterparts from the rest of the world, excluding Europe, the Americans have lost only once. Still, the event has produced many memorable moments. Here are the top ten: 10. Ken Venturi, 2000 At Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va., the U.S. bounces back from its only Presidents Cup loss, to win by the most lopsided margin in Cup history, 21.5-10.5. Captain Ken Venturi’s team was led by Stewart Cink and Davis Love III. Fans divided about decision on how 2003 Cup ended When U.S. captain Jack Nicklaus and International captain Gary Player...

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College football Week 6 area capsules

No. 1 Florida at No. 4 LSU Where » Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge When » Saturday, 8 p.m. TV » CBS » Coming off the first concussion of his career, will Florida QB Tim Tebow see stars in college football's most raucous stadium? If the fans don't get to Tebow, the Tigers' formidable defense, led by LB Harry Coleman and LB Kelvin Sheppard, might. Baton Rouge has been unkind to the Gators, who have lost the last two trips by a combined seven points. Undefeated Florida has yet to be tested. Maryland at Wake Forest Where » BB&T Field, Winston-Salem When » Saturday, 6:30 p.m. TV » ESPN360.com Radio » 106.7 FM » The Demon Deacons have...

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Navy's Minister of Defense

Pospisil, the son of a preacher man, inspires the Midshipmen When Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green met senior linebacker Ross Pospisil's father, he wasn't surprised. As assistant pastor at the First Baptist Church in Boerne, Texas, Scott Pospisil has the ability to inspire others, just like his son. "To hear him speak, he reminds me a lot of Ross. And Ross reminds me a lot of him," said Green. "The leadership qualities, you can just see through his dad. The qualities come out in Ross on the field, off the field, everything that's involved with the defense and the program." Pospisil's ability to play and lead was evident last week when Navy won its seventh...

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Falcons challenge Stags, again

Elusive WCAC football title is the holy grail for Good Counsel Over the last eight years, Good Counsel coach Bob Milloy has built the second best football program in the Washington area. But in his efforts to win a Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship, he's been frustrated. Cover Story A culture of winning Rick Snider » For Wootten, it's a wonderful view Falcons challenge Stags, again Top 10 notable DeMatha alumni The team Milloy can't overcome is DeMatha. The coach he can't quite match is Bill McGregor. The Falcons have had their moments, beating the Stags three of the last five years in the regular season. But in each of the last five WCAC championship...

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A culture of winning

On a lowly campus lacking athletic facilities, the DeMatha Stags have built a national powerhouse Wedged awkwardly off Route 1 in Hyattsville, between a sagging commercial strip and an aging residential neighborhood, DeMatha Catholic High School has none of the earmarks of a private school athletic powerhouse. There is no grandstand, no track, no football field, no sign announcing you’ve entered sacred turf, just a banner on the backside of a brick school building that reads, “DeMatha College High School - Gentlemen and Scholars.” Cover Story A culture of winning Rick Snider » For Wootten, it's a wonderful view Falcons challenge Stags, again Top 10 notable...

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Courses you can play » Southern Maryland is home to 40-year old rolling land course

Location » Dunkirk, Md. Phone » 301-855-8228 Fees » Weekdays $46; Weekend $56 Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 70/6527/69.4/119 Description » Twin Shields is a 40-year-old course, set on rolling land in Southern Maryland. Traditional layout with tree-lined holes and large, undulating greens. A few blind shots and severe doglegs make this course a mystery for a first-time player, especially without the benefit of GPS or a scorecard schematic. Reason to play » Playable course in an attractive setting, with clubhouse high above a lake that separates the front and back nines. Accessible location, just over Prince George's County line, 15 miles from Beltway off Route 4...

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With some tweaks, Harding Park ready

Playing over an arm of Lake Merced, the dogleg 18th at Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco is an inspired finishing hole, daring players to challenge the water and cut distance off the 468-yard par 4. Just one problem, it's the 18th hole. With Harding Park hosting the eighth President's Cup, today through Sunday, many matches will be over by the time they get to No. 18. In the Presidents Cup, which features match-play competition, the average round lasts 16.3 holes. So Harding Park has been re-configured to ensure that the best holes get the most visibility. No. 18 has become No. 15 and will be lined with corporate tents. No hole at Harding Park will retain its usual number,...

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College Football outlook, 10/6/09

TOP 25 Order restored among top 10 After a September of tumult in the top 25, order was restored as the big dogs played to form. The only loser among the top 10 was Oklahoma, but it was hardly a surprise considering the 21-20 defeat came at No. 11 Miami and without Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford. Typical of early October, there are several undefeated teams from power conferences that are ranked but suspect. The list includes No. 23 Auburn (5-0) of the SEC, No. 14 Iowa (5-0) and No. 25 Wisconsin (5-0) of the Big Ten, and No. 15 Kansas (4-0) and No. 17 Missouri (4-0) of the Big 12. No. Team (Record) Comment Pvs....

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Terps understand what Brown can do for them

Sparked by defense, Maryland is rising after needed win For defining moments, it doesn't get any more definitive than Maryland's final defensive play Saturday. When blitzing freshman Demetrius Hartsfield swooped in from his weakside linebacker slot, jarred the ball loose from Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker, and recovered the fumble, it not only assured Maryland's 24-21 victory, it gave the young Terps hard and fast evidence that they are catching on to first-year defensive coordinator Don Brown's aggressive, gambling scheme. "Coach Brown's been hearing it from everybody that he's not a good coordinator," said Hartsfield. "But now we're just showing people the tip of...

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Melwood moving to U. of Maryland

After three years at Woodmore Country Club in Mitchellville, the Melwood Prince George's County Open is expected to announce Friday that it will move the Nationwide Tour event to the University of Maryland Golf Course. The recently renovated University of Maryland facility, will host a news conference Friday that will include tournament director Teo Sodeman, Nationwide Tour President Bill Calfee, a former player at Maryland, and former University of Maryland golf coach and current Champions Tour star Fred Funk. The 50-year-old University of Maryland course recently re-opened after a year-long renovation by golf course designer Bill Love, who injected the course with an updated look that...

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Reversal of fortune for Terps, beat Clemson, 24-21

With his team trailing Clemson by 10 points late in the first period, Maryland quarterback Chris Turner hit Ronnie Tyler in the flat, triggering a mock cheer at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. It was Maryland’s initial first down of the game. Coming at the end of a week in which the struggling Terrapins had been dissected and spread open, all their flaws exposed, it was hard to tell if the crowd was with the Terps or against them. Terps notes » Maryland kicker Nick Ferrara, subbing for injured punter Travis Baltz (ankle), averaged 43.4 yards on eight punts, only one of which was returned for positive yardage by Clemson’s dangerous duo of C.J. Spiller (36.4 yards...

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Nielsen in good company at Constellation

Watson and Hass a stroke back of leader TIMONIUM, MD. — After a career on the fringes of professional golf, Lonnie Nielsen has discovered his pot of gold on the Champions Tour. In six years, Nielsen has won two events and more than $4.8 million. Thursday in the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship, Nielsen fired a 5-under-par 65 to take a one-stroke lead over Tom Watson and Jay Haas. Even after his success on the Champions Tour, it's heady company for the former Director of Golf at Crag Burn Golf Club in the suburbs of Buffalo. "I can think of better guys I'd rather have chasing me than Tom Watson and Jay Haas," said Nielsen, 56. "A course like this,...

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Can Navy continue the hex?

Midshipmen hold six-game unbeaten streak against Falcons Tradition dictates that Navy's most important game is against Army. But where the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy is concerned, the key game comes two months earlier. For the last 12 years, Navy-Air Force has decided the trophy, awarded to the winner of the round robin between the three service academies. Saturday in Annapolis, when Navy (2-2) hosts Air Force (3-1) before a sellout crowd, the teams will renew an increasingly pivotal, competitive and bitter rivalry. From 1982-2002, Air Force dominated the series, beating Navy 19 of 21 times and claiming 17 Commander-in-Chief's trophies. Since then, however, Navy has won six straight,...

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Champions Tour pros are set to tackle historic BCC

Players must beware of ‘Hell’s Half Acre’ Baltimore Country Club (East Course) Location » Timonium, Md. Fees » Private Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 70/7037/74.6/137 Description » The East Course at Baltimore Country Club, built on rolling farmland, has sweeping fairways, elevated tees and greens, several holes that dogleg, and 96 bunkers. Named one of the nation’s top 100 courses by Golf Digest (2007). Architect » One of golf’s most illustrious designers, A.W. Tillinghast, built the East Course in 1926. Tillinghast, known for his distinctive bunkering and greens pitched back to front, also designed Northeast classics Baltusrol,...

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Watson keeps it simple

With his head down, 60-year-old shoots for Senior Players title TIMONIUM, MD. – At this time last year, golf legend Tom Watson missed the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship to have hip replacement surgery. Less than 10 months later, Watson nearly won the British Open. So how, at the improbable age of 59, did Watson contend for the world's most coveted golf championship? He used the most time-worn tip in the sport -- keep your head down. Senior Players What » The final major (of five) on the Champions Tour (50-and-over) Where » Baltimore Country Club (East Course), Timonium When » Thursday-Sunday TV » NBC Purse » $2.7 million,...

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Maryland lined up to struggle on offense

For source of turnovers, look at offensive line Running an offense that has committed 13 turnovers, Maryland quarterback Chris Turner is bearing the brunt of the criticism for the Terps' worst start (1-3) in the nine-year tenure of Ralph Friedgen. When the subject of turnovers is raised, Friedgen speaks of correction, implying Turner -- who has thrown five interceptions and fumbled twice -- is to blame. But Maryland's problems are deeper than the quarterback. UP NEXT Clemson (2-2) at Maryland (1-3) When » Saturday, noon Where » Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium TV » ESPNU Turnovers have come this season because the offense is stressed. A woeful offensive line, the...

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Carter: Navy’s good sailor

Cornerback shows a team-first attitude At the Naval Academy, it’s all about the group, not the individual. Last year, Blake Carter lived up to the ethic. After starting nine games as a sophomore, Carter found himself on the bench. Sure, it was a blow to his ego, but instead of sulking, Carter continued to plug away on special teams. His reward came against rival Air Force. Returning a blocked punt for a touchdown and blocking another himself that teammate Bobby Doyle recovered in the end zone, Carter was the difference in Navy’s 33-27 victory. Afterward, Carter received the Ben Martin Award, given to the most valuable player of the Navy-Air Force game. “It all goes...

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College Football outlook, 9/29/09

TOP 25 Where are the powerhouses? Only four traditional powers remain undefeated, and that’s counting LSU, which has been shaky. Losses by Penn State, Mississippi, and California make room in the top 10 for one-loss powers Virginia Tech, USC, Oklahoma and Ohio State. Undefeated teams TCU, Cincinnati, Houston and Michigan are starting to build nice resumes, but they still have much to prove. No. 8 Boise State, with its junior varsity schedule, is a whole other matter. As long as No. 15 Oregon, which lost to Boise in Week 1, keeps winning, the drum beat will grow louder for the Broncos. Where’s the RPI when you need it? No. Team...

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Local boxing » Lange wins in nine thrilling rounds

At Patriot Center, veteran Reid shows fight, but can’t hang with Lange There wasn’t much defense Saturday night when Jimmy Lange and Jonathan Reid met at George Mason University’s Patriot Center, which made their fight for the WBC USNBC Super Welterweight championship all the more entertaining. Ringside notes » Washington’s DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley rolled to a unanimous decision over Harrison “La Machina” Cuello of Albany, N.Y. to improve to 36-11-1. » Four other local boxers were successful in the preliminaries. Featherweight Jennifer “Bolivian Queen” Salinas of Manassas edged Caitlin Dance of Louisville in...

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Rutger's Lefeged reverses his fortune against Maryland, 34-13

At home in Maryland, safety throttles Turner and the Terps Two years ago, Rutgers safety Joe Lefeged helped make Chris Turner a hero. Saturday he made him pay. Playing in his home state for the first time in his college career, Lefeged forced two turnovers against the Terps quarterback, including the game-changer that gave Rutgers the lead for good in a 34-13 victory before a soggy and disappointed crowd of 43,848 at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. Terps notes » With a 24-yard return on the opening kickoff, sophomore Torrey Smith became the Terps’ all-time kickoff return leader. Smith now has 1,632 yards, surpassing Keeta Covington (1983-86). Smith entered the game No....

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Homecoming for Rutgers duo

Brooks, Lefeged face Maryland Saturday As seniors at rival high schools in Germantown, Jourdan Brooks and Joe Lefeged were ranked the No. 2 and No. 3 linebackers in Maryland. Trouble is, neither was a prototype. While Brooks (6-1, 245) was too thick, Lefeged (6-1, 190) was too thin. But Rutgers coach Greg Schiano wasn't deterred. He could see roles for them beyond their high school position. Three years later, Brooks and Lefeged are two of Schiano's best players. While the hard-charging Brooks, a redshirt sophomore back from Seneca Valley, ignites the offense, the hard-hitting Lefeged, a junior strong safety from Northwest, leads the defense. Saturday when Rutgers (2-1) travels to...

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Stunning views at new-look Olde Mill

McLean developer transforms resort near his hometown A few years ago, on a weekend trip to his hometown, deep in the hills of Southwest Virginia, McLean's Norris Mitchell went out to dinner with family members who still live in the area. They took him to a restaurant at a sleepy resort. The food was good, but the views, overlooking a golf course, were stunning. A few years later, when the resort was put up for sale, Mitchell bought it. Such are the options available to a well-to-do real estate developer, the co-owner of Gardner Homes Realtors. Nearly two years later, Olde Mill, 12 miles from the North Carolina border, is undergoing a $12 million facelift. The golf course and facilities...

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Courses you can play » Nothing run of the mill at Olde Mill

Location » Laurel Fork, Va. Phone » 800-753-5005 Fees » Monday-Thursday $60; Saturday $79; Friday, Sunday $75 Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 72/6833/72.7/127 Description » Olde Mill is a 37-year-old, 18-hole resort course, undergoing a dramatic facelift, in a rustic Appalachian setting in Carroll County, 12 miles from the North Carolina border. Hilly terrain is full of lakes and streams. Lots of elevation change and water in play on all but three holes. Reasons to play » Scenery, solitude, hospitality, and a uniquely playable course with a great mix of holes. Quality layout by Ellis Maples, a Donald Ross disciple, and one of the world's most prolific course...

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Terps have been there, done that

Maryland's struggles similar to 2008 start A narrow escape against a Football Championship Subdivision team and a loss to non-BCS school Middle Tennessee State is not the recommended formula for success in the Atlantic Coast Conference. But it was the path Maryland took in 2008 on its way to an 8-5 season that included four wins over ranked teams. It's also the route the Terps must renavigate this fall to achieve their fourth straight bowl bid. A 38-35 overtime win against James Madison and Saturday's 32-31 loss to MTSU have raised questions about the strength of the Terps program, the same questions that emerged last September when Maryland edged FCS Delaware and lost at MTSU. This...

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College football outlook, 9/22/09

TOP 25 Top contenders dwindling fast With highly-ranked unbeatens USC, Utah, BYU and Georgia Tech falling, the contenders fit for a No. 1 ranking are dwindling fast. And with four of the top seven teams from the SEC, other unbeatens are soon to fall. Could this be a season where a two-loss team sneaks into the BCS championship? This week’s top eight are fairly straight-forward. After that, a trio of traditional powers, all with one loss (Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma) are bunched with five unbeatens who will be tested this weekend. At the bottom of the rankings, could have just as easily been Georgia, Georgia Tech, Nebraska or Oregon. No....

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Fearless Forecast for week of 9/20/09

EVENTS TO WATCH MLB » Dodgers at Nationals, Thursday, 7:05 p.m., MASN HD Nats have an outside shot at continuing a dubious streak. Each of last two seasons the Phillies have clinched an NL East division title vs. Washington. Even with nine games left after leaving the District, Joe Torre’s Dodgers could also be in position to clinch N.L. West by the series finale. NFL » Giants at Cowboys, Sunday, 8 p.m., NBC Lots of big story lines in Big D, but the biggest is the coming out party for new Cowboys Stadium. It’s so big it could have its own zip code. We also hear it has a pretty nice television set. NCAA men’s soccer » North Carolina at Maryland,...

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A benchmark game for Navy

The Navy football team has undergone a serious transformation. Incorporating the passing ability of junior Ricky Dobbs while sticking to its a run-oriented, triple-option formation has been a challenging experiment. The results, so far, have been impressive. The Midshipmen took Ohio State to the wire in a 31-27 loss, then whipped 2008 bowl team Louisiana Tech, 32-14. The offense has been more balanced, explosive and unpredictable. But is it better? Navy (1-1) will begin to answer that question as it faces a measuring stick game Saturday at No. 22 Pittsburgh (2-0). With 14 starters back, the Panthers have a similar look to last season when they whipped the Mids, 42-21, in Annapolis. This...

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Week 3 local college football preview

Middle Tennessee State at Maryland Players to watch Jarrett Brown Playing at Auburn (2-0), this is the first big test for the West Virginia senior quarterback who has shown his ability to pass (43-of-57, 577 yards, 4 TD) and run (19 carries, 142 yards) in leading the offensive-minded Mountaineers to a 2-0 start. Jahvid Best The Heisman Trophy candidate from No. 7 California (2-0) has had it easy so far in a pair of lopsided wins (52-13 over Maryland, 59-7 over Eastern Washington), but may have to extend himself into the fourth quarter at Minnesota (2-0), which has won ugly over Syracuse and Air Force. Tony Pike The Cincinnati quarterback, who ranks No. 4 in passing efficiency...

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Competitive on and off the course

The stereotypical female country club golfer is a married woman of leisure, playing weekday mornings after driving her kids to school. But the cliché doesn't apply at Mount Vernon Country Club, which draws a strong contingent of female players, many of them busy professionals with high-powered jobs. Earlier this month, when Mount Vernon won its second straight Virginia Women's Team title and fourth this decade, they did it with a lawyer, an FBI agent, a health care executive, a financial analyst and a software development manager. Mount Vernon won the title despite the absence of two-time Virginia Senior Amateur champion, Linda DiVall, the President and CEO of American...

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Packsaddle Ridge challenging with slope changes and water

Location » Keezletown, Va. Phone » 540-269-8188 Fees » Weekdays $45; Weekend $50 Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 72/7024/74.2/139 Description » Set on the western slope of Masannutten Mountain, Packsaddle Ridge is a seven-year-old course that builds on the back nine. Minutes from Harrisonburg, but secluded in the wilderness, the course is full of elevation change, hardwood stands and streams that crisscross the property. Water in play on all but one hole, but is not the predominant feature. Like many mountain courses, greens have lots of hidden slope. Reason to play » Not for purists, but awesome views, reasonable prices, and playful accoutrements make...

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Terps struggle to grasp Brown ball

Defense not generating pressure or turnovers When Don Brown took over as defensive coordinator at Maryland, he introduced an aggressive risk/reward scheme. After watching their team surrender 87 points in the first two games, Maryland fans have become familiar with the risks. They're still waiting for the rewards. In the Terps' opener, a 52-13 loss at California, the Golden Bears had five plays that went for 39 or more yards. In Saturday's 38-35 overtime victory against visiting Division I-AA James Madison, the Terps yielded a 70-yard touchdown run by Dukes quarterback Drew Dudzik. Brown's unpredictable, blitzing defense is designed to get defenders to the quarterback and produce...

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College football forecast, 9/15/09

TOP 25 Mid-major teams look strong There’s not much argument about the top seven, but then it gets muddled. Weighing the relative merits of Boise St. of the WAC and Mountain West teams Brigham Young, TCU, and Utah against BCS conference powers is difficult because of strength of schedule. The three Mountain West teams will eventually sort themselves out. But Boise already has beaten its most serious foe (Oregon), and done so in unimpressive fashion. The bottom eight also are unclear. It easily could include Texas Tech, Nebraska and Boston College, or Oregon State and Georgia, teams that dropped out of the top 25 despite winning. No....

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Tuani turns the tide for Navy, 32-14

Defensive end’s first career interception is a game changer in win over Louisiana Tech ANNAPOLIS – Under a thick blanket of gray clouds, Navy’s home opener began ominously. With no apparent answer for the spread offense of Louisiana Tech and the fleet feet of Bulldogs’ speedster Phillip Livas, Navy surrendered two touchdowns before the game was 6 minutes old. For the Midshipmen, however, it was a call to arms. Answering was sophomore defensive end Jabaree Tuani, whose first career interception turned the momentum as Navy seized control and went on to defeat Louisiana Tech, 32-14, before 29,102, Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Navy...

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Fearless Forecast for week of 9/14/09

EVENTS TO WATCH NFL » Ravens at Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 20, 4:15 p.m., CBS The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. The second-best scoring offense of 2008 (Chargers) will face the defense that gave up the second-fewest yards (Ravens). The edge will likely lie with Norv’s Chargers who don’t have the long plane ride — but you can never count out Ray Lewis and the boys from Charm City. MLB » Angels at Red Sox, Wednesday, 7:10 p.m., ESPN This Tuesday-Thursday series of postseason archrivals, puts the Halos in an interesting predicament. The Sawx are in a stiff Wild Card fight with the Texas Rangers — whom the Angels hold a solid, but...

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Private elegance in hunt country

The Golf Club at Creighton Farms Location » Aldie, Va. Phone » 703-957-4805 Fees » This is a private course. Initiation fee $80,000; dues $7,500 per year. Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 72/7410/77.0/152 Description » Creighton Farms is a gated residential community with custom-built estates and an award-winning golf course, set on rolling land, rich with native vegetation, in Virginia hunt country. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course has lush bentgrass fairways and intricate green complexes with deep, furrowed bunkers. Reason to play » Immaculate conditions, an inspired layout with a great mix of holes, and top-notch amenities and service make...

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Survivor at Creighton Farms

Three ambitious golf course projects, all linked to the golden name of the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, sit tenuously on the outskirts of Northern Virginia, symbols of a bottomed-out golf industry and a struggling economy: » The Presidential in Dulles, conceived as a lavish playground for corporate high rollers, went out of business a year ago, then reopened in May as a downsized public course called the 1757 Club. » Harbor Station in Woodbridge, a residential, hotel, and conference center, sits idle, with roads barricaded, its Web site extinguished, none of its planned 4,000 units built, and Nicklaus's 18-hole, championship course going to seed. » Creighton Farms...

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College football 9/8/09

STORY LINES 1. KOed » It was the punch seen round the world. That's largely why Oregon RB LaGarrette Blount was grounded for the rest of the season after his straight right to the chin of Boise State DE Byron Hout. Sure it was an inexcusable act, but without ESPN cameras and the attendant sports talk radio uproar, the penalty wouldn't have been nearly as harsh. If Blount threw the same punch in a dorm dust up, he's in the lineup this week. But now his college career is over after rushing for 1,002 yards and a school-record 17 touchdowns in 2008. 2. Bradford down, OU out? » For Oklahoma, perhaps as disheartening as the loss of 2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford...

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Top 10 NFL quarterbacks to watch this year

Ten quarterbacks, ten story lines. As the 2009 NFL season kicks off, several quarterbacks are under the gun. Here are the most intriguing who will be feeling the heat of heavy expectations: 10. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs After he returns from a knee sprain — perhaps next week at Baltimore — it will be fascinating to see if Cassel can do it in Kansas City taking orders from rookie coach Todd Haley instead Bill Belichick. 9. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers No stranger to offseason controversy (motorcycle accident without a helmet), Roethlisberger will try to lead the defending champion Steelers back to the Super Bowl while fending off a civil suit for sexual...

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Five to watch

Tim Tebow, Florida QB Tebow won the Heisman in 2007 and received the most first-place votes last year, but lost to Sam Bradford. The left-hander has something to prove to NFL scouts, who consider him a better prospect as a TE. Can he lead the overwhelming favorite Gators to a third national title in four years? Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB The reigning Heisman winner threw 50 TD passes last year, but will have to do it this time behind an inexperienced line. Taking the heat off will be a pair of 1,000-yard backs, DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown. With an improved defense, Bradford won't have to match his gaudy stats of 2008. Colt McCoy, Texas QB With less help than Tebow or Bradford,...

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Local college football capsules

No. 4 Virginia Tech vs. No. 8 Alabama Where » Georgia Dome, Atlanta When » Saturday, 8 p.m. TV » ABC Key matchup » Special teams. In a low-scoring game, big plays will be the difference. Under coach Frank Beamer, Tech has made special teams play an art form. But the Hokies will be tested by perhaps the nation's best punt returner, Javier Arenas, who brought back three for touchdowns last year. Why Virginia Tech will win » Because it means more to the Hokies than the Tide. While Tech (1-4 vs. top-10 teams in the last four years) wants to certify its program and conference, there are no such questions about Alabama and the SEC. In addition, Nick Saban...

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Pigskin paradise

There's no denying Washington is a Redskins town. For many Washingtonians, however, the start of the football season isn't colored burgundy and gold. These locals aren't as unified, but their passion is just as deep. They are college fans. For them, the most important games are played on Saturdays in the fall. This weekend in D.C., as another college season kicks off, there is more than the usual opening-week buzz as several area teams start with a bang. While Maryland travels to No. 14 California, and Navy begins at No. 7 Ohio State, No. 4 Virginia Tech faces No. 8 Alabama. All of the games are on national television. All are compelling. "We've been looking forward to this...

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Tree-lined municipal course playable for high handicappers

Enterprise Golf Course Location » Mitchellville Md. Phone » 301-249-2040 Fees » $38 Monday-Thursday, $48 Friday-Sunday Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 72/6750/71.7/128 Description » The 33-year-old course is a dated, tree-lined, traditional municipal with pace of play issues on the weekend. Some of the parallel fairways are tight, but the well-maintained greens are large, flat, and slow, making the course playable for high handicappers. Reason to play » Attractive layout on a solid piece of property is top municipal course in Prince George's County, and compares favorably with other Washington area publics of its era, including Algonkian, Herndon,...

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Record-breaking Westfield a force

Five standouts give undefeated Bulldogs hopes for state title The Virginia State Golf Association Foundation High School Invitational is only in its third year of existence. But that didn't make the record-breaking performance of Westfield High any less impressive last week. Getting below-par rounds from three of its five players in Wednesday's final round -- an almost unheard of feat for a high school team -- Westfield ran away with the Richard V. Smith trophy, winning the tournament by a record 19 strokes and shattering the event's scoring record by 14 shots. While Wesley Liu fired a 3-under-par 69, fellow seniors Tim Ritter (71) and Jimmy Sanders (71) also sizzled at...

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Decisions for Couples, Norman

Captains will add two players each next week The Deutsche Bank Championship is the penultimate event of the FedEx Cup. But the buzz this week at the TPC at Boston surrounds another cup. Tuesday at the National Press Club in Washington, Presidents Cup captains Fred Couples and Greg Norman will reveal their choices for the final two slots on their respective teams. The Presidents Cup is set for Oct. 8-11 at Harding Park in San Francisco. This weekend, U.S. captain Couples will get a first-hand look at his potential choices as he plays in the Deutsche Bank. For International captain Norman, however, his candidates are scattered around the globe. With more quality players from which to...

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Friedgen reaching young squad

Terps lack experience, but gain speed, depth If a coach's affection for his team correlated to wins, Maryland might go undefeated. The running theme this preseason for Terps coach Ralph Friedgen was the coachability and exuberance of his young squad. It's a change from last year's experienced but inconsistent team, which Friedgen struggled to reach. The 2008 Terps produced four victories over ranked teams, coupled with confounding losses to Virginia and Middle Tennessee. "There doesn't seem to be a 'Don't worry coach, we got it down' type attitude," said Friedgen. "This team is fun to be around." Constantly energized by his players in the preseason, Friedgen, 62,...

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Keeping Dobbs upright is key

Navy will go as far as junior QB takes them Navy already has lost its most irreplaceable part on defense, nose guard Nate Frazier, who was dismissed from the Academy last month. Now the top priority for the Midshipmen is to protect their most irreplaceable part on offense. To that end, Navy placed a green jersey on junior quarterback Ricky Dobbs in the preseason, meaning he was not to be touched. The hands-off treatment ends Saturday in Columbus when Navy challenges No. 7 Ohio State. Dobbs' status is of particular importance as he is the team's only experienced skill position player. Dobbs started just one game in 2008, but ranked third on the team in rushing yards (495) and second in...

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Delp wins in bold fashion

Arlington resident captures Virginia Public Links title One might have been confused watching the 18th hole in the Virginia Public Links Championship Monday at Laurel Hill. After Jason Copeland, trailing 1 down, laid up on the par 5 hole, Jimmy Delp, leading 1 up, went for the green. Standing 210 yards from the pin and peering over a hazard, it was a daring choice. But with a towering, wind-aided 6-iron that he hit to within 15 feet, Delp pulled off the courageous shot and clinched the title in the 6th annual Virginia Public Links, a tournament limited to players not affiliated with a private club. In defeating 2005 Virginia Public Links champion Copeland of Virginia Beach, Delp,...

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Can Greene make a sudden impact for Midshipmen?

Freshman back gives Navy a shot of speed Naval Academy freshmen are treated with extra derision. It's a necessary component of military training. At the academy, "plebe" is a pejorative term. With the shock treatment Navy freshmen receive, transitioning to a significant role on the football team is a major feat. But it's one that Gee Gee Greene, one of the smallest Midshipmen at 5-8, 180 pounds, is accomplishing. In Friday's final preseason scrimmage, Greene was the most impressive player on the field. On two kickoff returns, he burst into the clear before coaches whistled the play dead. At slotback, he ran under a touchdown pass from quarterback Ricky Dobbs. He also...

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Fearless Forecast 08/30/09

What to watch U.S. Open Tennis, All Week, USA » One of the signs summer is slipping away - late-night tennis at the U.S. Open. Even casual fans can find themselves drawn in by the rambunctious atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium as the top seeds try to deal with the heat, the disorderly NYC crowd, and upset-minded challengers. South Carolina at North Carolina State, Thursday, ESPN » In last year's season opener, the Gamecocks threw four interceptions and still stomped the Wolfpack, 34-0. So it's not that we think this is a great matchup (it isn't) or that we're dying to see these two teams again (we aren't). We just miss college football. It's good to see you again, old...

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Conquer a piece of the Rock in the Shenandoah Valley

Black Rock Golf Course Location » Hagerstown, Md. Phone » 240-313-2816 Fees » $51 Monday-Friday; $61 Weekend Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 72/6646/70.9/124 Description » The 20-year-old course, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley and maintained by Washington County Golf Corporation, is full of elevation change and scenic holes. It has generous landing areas and heavily-bunkered greens. Facility has a relaxed, spread-out, country feel, a place where people know each other. Reason to play » Despite the elevation change, there are few forced carries at Black Rock. Playable, stress-free course appeals to high handicappers, but still strong enough to host...

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Is the time finally right for Burke?

Golfer to make a run at Champions Tour After two short stints, more than 20 years apart, as a golf pro, Bethesda amateur Terry Burke will take one more stab later this year when he attempts to qualify for the Champions Tour. Will the third time be a charm? Considering the way Burke played last week, luck may not be required. Firing a 64-72 - 136 Monday and Tuesday at Chestnut Ridge, Burke won the 23rd Maryland Mid-Amateur by three strokes. It was an unprecedented third state Mid-Am for Burke, who also won in 2000 and 2007. The tournament is for players age 30 and over. There was little drama last week after an opening round in which Burke reached 7-under-par through 17 holes. On...

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Will new format improve FedEx Cup?

With Woods, PGA hopes for better finish As the PGA Tour rolls out its third edition of the FedEx Cup, the four-week competition remains as mystifying as ever. Here's what we do know: Tiger Woods is on board. That alone virtually guarantees the success of Commissioner Tim Finchem's new format, whatever it is. As the competition opens this week with The Barclays at Liberty National Golf Club, a quirky new course with a New York City backdrop, many are trying to figure out exactly what it will take for Woods to hoist the Cup and gather the winning $10 million check in four weeks at the Tour Championship. The finish is key to the success of this year's format. Finchem doesn't want a...

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Tate emerges for Terps

DeMatha grad having a sensational camp Kenny Tate revealed his secret Tuesday -- jelly sandwiches. For the rapidly-emerging Maryland safety, a pregame meal isn't enough. Tate needs additional fuel. So he packs two sandwiches with strawberry jam and eats them on the field. "I use the bread to hold me up when the game gets tough," said Tate. "And the jelly is sweet, so that gives me energy." After a year as a backup safety, Tate will need the extra nourishment this year. Blossoming this preseason, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound sophomore speedster is not only making a case for a starting role, but a starring one. "Kenny Tate is having a sensational camp. He's all...

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At U.S. Amateur, match play is the goal

Four local qualifiers face the ultimate test at Southern Hills Fifty years ago, when Jack Nicklaus won his first of two U.S. Amateur championships, he emerged from a field of 1,696. This year 6,948 players -- all with handicap indexes of 2.4 or better -- entered the nation's oldest golf tournament. After local and sectional qualifying, 312 players remain. The survivors convene this week at Southern Hills in Tulsa for the 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship. Among them are local players Kevin McLister of Leesburg, Steve Delmar of Gaithersburg, Zach Lese of Silver Spring and 16-year-old Denny McCarthy of Burtonsville, believed to be the youngest player from the Washington area ever to...

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Fearless Forecast 08/23/09

Events to Watch Little League World Series » Saturday, ABC, 3 p.m. OK, it’s become over-commercialized, and over-analyzed, but it’s still fun. Turn on ESPN any time this week and you’ll likely catch a dose of the 16-team extravaganza. Thankfully, the title game is still Saturday afternoon from Lamade Stadium on network TV. Golf » Solheim Cup » Sunday, Golf Channel, 11 a.m. Can the U.S. women make it three straight in their biennial Ryder Cup-style competition with Europe? Sunday singles matches should hold some intrigue with players such as Michelle Wie, Natalie Gulbis and Suzann Pettersen under the gun. NFL preseason » Patriots at Redskins...

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Adjustment of expectations at Navy?

Loss of Frazier leaves hole on defensive line With six straight Commander in Chief Trophies and as many consecutive bowl appearances, those once-lofty goals have become routine for the Navy football team. But with an upgraded schedule, that includes eight teams that made bowl trips last year, and news this week of the dismissal of nose guard Nate Frazier, the Midshipmen might be resigned to their modest goals again. Frazier, a 6-3, 292-pound senior who had started 26 straight games and led the team in tackles for a loss in 2008, was generally considered the squad's best player and the key to an experienced defense that figured to be vastly improved. First in line to fill Frazier's...

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Big dreams, big title for Lasso

Falls Church resident, 20, wins the Amateur at International Moving from his home in Falls Church and enrolling in a golf academy in South Carolina when he was shooting scores in the high 90s took a major leap of faith for Ben Lasso. It was an even bigger commitment for his parents, who provided the funds for his expensive golf education. But five years later, Lasso has proved that big dreams are attainable. Sunday when he won the 18th Amateur at International, Lasso claimed a tournament that draws the top amateurs from the Washington area and beyond. Coming from eight strokes back in the final round, Lasso (71-76-68 - 215) tied the area's premier amateur, Pat Tallent (71-68-76 -...

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Watson commits to Constellation

Tom Watson, whose bid to become the oldest major champion in golf history fell just short at the British Open last month, has committed to play in the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship. The tournament, held at Baltimore Country Club in Timonium, Oct. 1-4, is the final major on the Champions Tour calendar. Watson, 59, who missed last year’s Senior Players Championship because of hip replacement surgery, lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink at the British Open. “Anyone who follows golf, both casually and closely, will remember Tom Watson’s performance at the British Open and what a special four days we were all treated to,’ said Constellation Energy...

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Top 10 Memorable PGA Championships

10. 1975 Jack Nicklaus On No. 16 at Firestone, after hitting into a hazard, taking a drop, then hitting across the fairway into rough, Nicklaus hoisted a 9-iron over the tallest tree on the course to within 30 feet, then made the putt for a world-class par 5 on his way to edging Bruce Crampton. 9. 1972 Gary Player Bogeys at No. 14 and No. 15 dropped Player into a tie with unknown Jim Jamieson. When Player sliced his tee shot into the crowd at No. 16, he needed to stand on a fan's chair to see the green. But he fired a 9-iron over water and tall trees to within 4 feet and made the birdie putt to win. 8. 2001 David Toms On the longest par four in major championship history, David Toms...

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With a push from dad, West emerges

Local high school rules limited the field to three players in the Women's District of Columbia Golf Association Junior Thursday at Belle Haven. But that didn't make the performance of Nicole West any less impressive. West, of Upper Marlboro, fired the best score of her career, a 5-under-par 67, on her way to a 19-stroke victory. It was the final tournament this summer for West before she departs for Hampton University, where she will play on a golf scholarship. Sister Dionne, a sophomore, also plays on scholarship at Hampton. The success of the West sisters is testament to their hard work and the power of the First Tee program, which teaches children of all backgrounds life lessons...

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Woods remembers his greatest shot

Seven years later at Hazeltine, the bunker shot from heaven Tiger Woods has called it the best shot of his career. It happened seven years ago at Hazeltine National (Minn.), site of this week's PGA Championship. Playing the 18th hole in the second round of the 2002 PGA, early on a Saturday morning, Woods hooked his tee shot into a bunker on the left side of the fairway. Crouching 202 yards from the hole, trees between him and the green, Woods hoists a 3-iron over the trees and straight over the flagstick. The ball stops 15 feet past the pin. Woods makes the putt, turning a bogey into a birdie on his way to a runner-up finish to Rich Beem. 5 to Watch Steve Stricker Too nice a guy...

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Long figures it out after two tough practice rounds

Centreville resident places sixth in British Senior Amateur Every serious golfer with a sense of history, dreams of playing in Scotland. When John Long of Centreville finally got his opportunity last week at age 57, his introduction to links golf could be summed up with the expression: Be careful what you wish for. In two windblown practice rounds in preparation for the British Senior Amateur, Long shot 90 and 85, horrifying scores for a player with a scratch handicap. But Long was learning valuable lessons on seaside golf. And he applied them in the tournament, shooting 78-76-77 -- 231 to tie for sixth place in a field of 144 players, 7 strokes behind winner Robert Vallis of...

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An unforgettable touch of the Old Country at family-owned Kastle Greens

Location » Midland, Va. Phone » 540-788-3144 Fees » $35 Monday-Friday; $45 weekend Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 72/6734/73.9/136 Description » Family-owned, undiscovered gem in an off-road, rustic location, surrounded by farmland. Front nine is open, back nine has several wooded holes. Greens are large and flat and most can accommodate bump-and-run shots. In keeping with the country theme, Kastle Greens has a pair of cement silos and a literal cart barn. Reason to Play » Uncrowded, unconventional, inexpensive course with a Scottish feel and a variety of memorable holes. Relaxed, family atmosphere, and one of the best bargains in the Washington...

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Better late than never for Weibring

Veteran will return to defend Constellation Energy Senior Players TIMONIUM, Md. – After 33 years as a touring pro, the impact of winning his first major championship didn’t hit D.A. Weibring until he played the following week. “I’m introduced on the first tee as, ‘Major Champion, Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship,’” recalled Weibring, 56, of his ah-ha moment at the Administaff Small Business Classic, near his adopted home in Texas. Weibring has won five PGA Tour titles and five more on the Champions circuit, has earned more than $12 million, and built a highly-successful course-design business. But little could compare to the...

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In lengthy slugfest, it's del Potro over Roddick for title

In third-set tiebreaker, Argentine prevails again at Legg Mason Throwing haymakers at each other for 150 minutes Sunday, Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Roddick played a Legg Mason Tennis Classic final fit for the most powerful city in the world. When this dizzying display of grip-it-and-rip-it tennis was over, del Potro had defended his title with a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (6) victory and the week's fifth sellout crowd of 7,500 had witnessed high-velocity tennis at its best. With his sixth ATP title and first in seven months, del Potro earned the biggest paycheck of his career, $300,000. This year with the Legg Mason pumped up to ATP World Tour 500 status, the winner's check was $220,000...

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Top 10 D.C. tennis championships

It’s been known by many names — the Washington Star International, the D.C. Bank Tennis Classic, the Sovran Bank Classic, and finally the Legg Mason. Here are 10 memorable finals in the tournament’s 40-year history: 10. 1997 Michael Chang def. Petr Korda After beating Wayne Ferriera in the 1996 finals, Chang made it a repeat with a come-from-behind three-set win over Korda. It was just the second time in tournament history that a player successfully defended his title. 9. 2008 Juan Martin del Potro def. Viktor Troicki After losing in the second round at Wimbledon, the 19-year-old, 6-foot-6 Argentine went won four straight tournaments. His fourth came decisively at the...

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The (double) eagle has landed

St. Maxens' rare feat helps Columbia to WMGA 'A' Team win Golf's iconic thunderbolt is the hole-in-one. Players fortunate enough to get one have a story to tell for a lifetime. But much more rare is a double-eagle. Scoring a 2 on a par 5 hole can't happen to anyone -- it requires length and luck. On Saturday, District resident Colin St. Maxens, 18, pulled off the feat and picked a good time to do it, helping Columbia to a victory over Washington Golf in the Washington Metropolitan Golf Association 'A' Team finals, 12-6. St. Maxens did it on the fourth hole at Washington, a 460-yard dogleg that bends right. Playing best ball, after teammate Marty West hit his drive down the middle, St....

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Roddick wins No. 500

Milestone victory over Querrey earns top seed a berth in semifinals Friday Haas rebounds for big win Former world No. 2 topples Ferrero Injury and age have eroded the tennis skills of Tommy Hass. Formely ranked No. 2 in the world, Hass, 31, now plays to extend his career in a sport that often discards players at a much younger age. But Thursday at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, Haas recaptured his power game with an impressive showing against former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero. In winning 7-5, 2-6, 6-1, Haas advanced to the quarterfinals of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. Play continues through Sunday at Rock Creek Park in Northwest. "[Andre] Agassi showed you...

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History and a small-town feel mark experience at the Shenvalee

Location » New Market, Va. Phone » 540-740-8337 Fees » $54 Monday-Thursday, $62 Friday-Sunday Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope Olde-Creek 71/6306/69.7/122 Creek-Miller 71/6539/70.4/119 Miller-Olde 72/6301/69.6/123 Description » Historic, dated resort facility with three, distinct, playable 9-hole courses, each built in a different era. In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenvalee is minutes from Interstate 81 and offers magnificent views and friendly, down-home service. Some rooms wrap around a swimming pool, others overlook the course. Reason to play » For a unique, small-town golf getaway at a reasonable price. This is a relaxed, golf-centric...

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Woods tries something new heading into a major

The week heading into a major is usually time for Tiger Woods to hunker down in Orlando, Fla., and fine-tune his game. It's a routine that's worked well for the 14-time major champion. But this week, Woods is diverting from the script, playing in one of his favorite events, the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, as he prepares for the PGA Championship, next week at Hazeltine. Woods has never played the week before the Masters, the U.S. Open or the British. But he has occasionally played the week before the PGA and it has been a sound strategy. In 2007, after Woods won the Bridgestone, he followed up with a victory in the PGA at Southern Hills. In 2000, a week after finishing 11th in the...

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McCarthy emerges Sooner than expected

16-year-old qualifies for U.S. Amateur Last week, when Denny McCarthy of Burtonsville took his first trip to Oklahoma, he made it memorable, winning the 41st Trusted Choice Big 'I' National Championship in Ardmore. Little did McCarthy know that he would be returning to the Sooner State later this summer. Tuesday at Westwood Country Club in Vienna, McCarthy shot a 2-under-par 70 for the second straight day to capture a berth in the U.S. Amateur. McCarthy, 16, is believed to be the youngest player ever from the Washington area to qualify. He travels to Tulsa for the 109th Amateur, Aug. 24-30, at Southern Hills. "This is pretty awesome," said McCarthy, a junior this fall at...

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Another run for Devvarman?

What is it about the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center that so appeals to Somdev Devvarman? Is it the 90-degree heat that reminds him of his native India? Is it the cosmopolitan city that welcomes him as an appealing underdog? Or is it the D.C. fans who have adopted him as their own after a stellar career at the University of Virginia, where he won two NCAA singles titles? Whatever the reason, magic seems to happen when Devvarman plays at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. Last year, it was a stunning run to the quarterfinals after surviving the qualifying rounds. Tuesday night, Devvarman pulled off his most impressive, and most improbable, win in Rock Creek Park, toppling No. 6 seed...

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Ohio State is a daunting test, but Navy is ready for opener

Mids relish the chance to face Buckeyes Any notion that the Navy football team might have had about easing into the 2009 season was dispelled when the Midshipmen discovered their opening-game opponent -- Ohio State. "September fifth, 12 p.m., Eastern time," says Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs, the date firmly imprinted in his memory. That's when the Midshipmen will make the long walk down the tunnel in Columbus and emerge in front of 100,000 mostly red-clad fans at the Buckeyes' monstrous stadium, a.k.a. "The Horseshoe." It's an atmosphere the Midshipmen have never experienced. But don't expect them to feel like the Christians being led into the Coliseum in...

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Kelly's timing is right

Villanova junior is brilliant in final round of the Metro Amateur How satisfying is it to play your best in the biggest tournament of your life? Ask Brendan Kelly of Annapolis, winner of the 90th Metropolitan Amateur. Sunday at Manor Country Club, in the 36-hole championship match against Bobby Fox of South Riding, Kelly, 20, played his final 18 holes in 6-under par -- 64 immaculate strokes to a title. Kelly, a junior this fall at Villanova, subdued Fox, a junior at Longwood, 3 and 1. "This was really big for me," said Kelly. "I won a college tournament in the fall, but this is the first big tournament I've ever won." On a day when he trailed 3 down after eight...

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A Legg up for Washington Tennis

A new designation pumps up the field at annual D.C. tourney Revamping the ATP Tour has done nothing to improve the moods of the world's top tennis professionals. But it has done wonders for the profile of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. As an ATP World Tour 500 event, the Legg Mason now offers more ranking points to the winner (500 vs. 175) and a larger purse ($1.4 million vs. $600,000). As a result, 14 of the world's top 25 players will compete next week. Preliminary play begins Saturday at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park. "This is as strong a field as we've had since I've been involved," said Jeff Newman, tournament director since 1995. "In...

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Mulieri goes back-to-back

When the Washington area’s top juniors, most raised on elite private courses, make their annual trek to Glenn Dale Golf Club to compete in the Bubby Worsham Memorial, many turn their nose up on the heavily-played public course. But Jay Mulieri, a member at Avenel, has a special affection for the Prince George’s County course. He grew up playing Glenn Dale and has sweet memories, especially the last two years. Firing an even-par 70 in the final round Wednesday, Mulieri won the Bubby Worsham by one stroke, becoming just the fourth repeat winner in the tournament’s 58-year history. So after he was handed the trophy again in the Washington Metropolitan Golf Association...

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36 holes of heaven at Queenstown

Location » Queenstown, Md. Phone » 800-827-5257 Fees » $89 Monday-Thursday; $119 Friday-Sunday Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope The River 72/7110/74.2/138 The Lakes 71/6569/71.0/124 Description » Two distinct 18 hole courses -- one long and tough, the other short and forgiving -- on one of the most inviting pieces of golf course property in Maryland. At the confluence of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay, the 18-year-old facility wraps around the historic Eastern Shore village of Queenstown, seamlessly incorporating ponds, wetlands, hardwood stands, and water views. Reason to play » Excellent scenery and conditions, a wide variety of interesting...

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Kim surprises many, including himself

First career victory comes in Maryland Amateur Public Links After firing an opening round 71 to take the lead in the 36-hole Maryland Amateur Public Links Friday, Joseph Kim waited out two rain delays and received some less-than-flattering encouragement from his friends. “They said, ‘You better pray for rain to keep pouring,’” said Kim, a Rockville resident. “They didn’t think I could keep the lead if we played 36 holes. So I started thinking, ‘If it storms, I win.’ Instead I should have been thinking, ‘If I play well, I win.’” But after the rain subsided, Kim surprised his pals, others in the field of 67, and even...

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Delmar is a qualified success

21-year-old secures U.S. Amateur berth HUNT VALLEY, MD. - If finishing six strokes shy of qualifying for the U.S. Amateur was mildly disappointing for Steve Delmar in 2007, missing by a single stroke last summer was downright unbearable. But Monday at Hayfields, Delmar, a 21-year-old from Gaithersburg, made sure, firing a 5-under-par 139 for 36 grueling holes in 90-degree heat at Hayfields Country Club to comfortably secure an elusive berth in the Amateur. Monday's humid conditions were preparation for what promises to be a warm U.S. Amateur championship, Aug. 24-30, at Southern Hills in Tulsa. "Sweet, excited, ready to go," said Delmar, a junior at Coastal Carolina. "I...

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Golf’s sympathetic figure?

When you’re tall, fit, tan, blond, rich, wildly successful in business, and married to an attractive tennis legend, it’s not easy to be a sympathetic figure. But that’s how golf fans view Greg Norman. After compiling a staggering list of major championship disappointments on the PGA Tour, Norman is keeping with the script on the Champions circuit. In the Senior Open Championship in the suburbs of London, Norman did it again with a signature Sunday collapse that included a tentative putting and questionable decision-making. At No. 17, a short par 4 where most players teed off with hybrids and irons, Norman pulled a driver out of his bag and blocked it right, into the...

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Fearless Forecast 07/26/09

Events to watch Golf » British Senior, Sunday, 1-3 p.m., ABC Tom Watson, 59, on the leader board in a tournament in the British Isles? Have we seen this episode before? The competition isn’t as stiff as last week in the British Open, but the story line is the same as Watson tries to become the oldest major winner, this time, on the Champions Tour. CONCACAF Gold Cup final » U.S. vs. Mexico, Sunday, 3 p.m., FOX Soccer Channel The meeting between these two clubs that really matters is in 17 days, when they meet in a crucial World Cup qualifying match at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. But the region title is on the line today, and the intensity of this rivalry will add to...

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McCarthy falls in Junior Amateur

Denny McCarthy of Burtonsville fell in the second round of match play in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship Thursday at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. McCarthy lost 3 and 2 to Yosuke Asaji of Japan. McCarthy, a junior this fall at Georgetown Prep, lost three of the first four holes and never got closer than 2 down in the match. McCarthy qualified for match play by shooting a 72-74 — 146 in the opening rounds of metal play Monday and Tuesday, tying for 15th place in a field of 156 players. Locals Sean Bosdosh of Clarksburg (81-77—158), Paul Warnquist of Rockville (74-85 — 159), and Tyler Wingo of Fairfax (81-84 — 165) missed the cut. The top 64...

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On brink of defeat, Lynch turns it around for the win

With brother's help, Lynch wins Maryland Women's Amateur Younger brothers are often a source of irritation for teenage girls. But Thursday after the 88th Maryland Women's Amateur, Kelly Lynch, 19, credited brother Jamie, 17, for helping her win the biggest title of her career. Trailing Elyse Smidinger 3 down with four holes left, Lynch's mood matched her predicament. But with a boost from her caddie, Jamie, a senior this fall at Severna Park High, Lynch regained her spirits and her swing. Winning the last four holes, Lynch, a junior at James Madison University, overtook Smidinger for a dramatic victory, 1 up, at Old South Country Club. "I didn't think I was going to win, to...

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Tallent emerges in Middle Atlantic Senior

Congressional member beats friend Brundred HAGERSTOWN - Playing with fellow Congressional Country Club member, Ben Brundred III, gave Pat Tallent a level of comfort in the Middle Atlantic Senior Amateur Wednesday. As the tournament co-leaders, sharing the same cart, rolled down the fairways of Fountain Head Country Club, they chatted throughout. But on the first hole, Tallent took the friendship a bit too far, hitting his ball out-of-bounds on his way to a triple-bogey, gift-wrapping a 3-stroke lead for his buddy. But Tallent, 55, got it back together quickly, playing the next 15 holes in 5-under-par on his way to a final-round 70 and the title in his first year of eligibility. Firing...

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Private feel and tough greens mark Greystone

Location » White Hall, Md. Phone » 410-887-1945 Fees » $56 Weekday; $76 Weekend Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope » 72/6925/73.5/139 Description » Municipal course with the feel of a privately-owned upscale. In a picturesque valley surrounded by farms in the middle of Maryland horse country in northern Baltimore County, Greystone features elevation change, expansive, undulating greens, attractive landscaping, bunker clusters and two man-made lakes. Reason to play » Challenging layout with a variety of memorable holes. Amenities include top-notch clubhouse and state-of-the-art GPS. Ranked No. 26 among municipal courses in the U.S. by Golfweek. Only...

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At British Senior, all eyes on Watson

Does the British Open runner-up have some gas left in the tank? With his near-victory in the British Open, 59-year-old Tom Watson has given the Champions Tour a credibility boost. For the over-50 circuit, the synergy couldn't be better as Watson remains in the British Isles this week for the Senior Open Championship. Watson has done his best to bring visibility to the event, better known as the British Senior, winning in each of the last three odd-numbered years. With a victory in 2009, Watson would not only become the oldest winner of a Champions Tour major and the second man to win four British Seniors, he would further enhance his reputation as the best links golfer in...

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Top 10 Memorable British Opens

The British Open, the oldest major in professional golf, has a storied past that spans four-time winners Old Tom Morris and his son, Young Tom Morris, and three-time champion Tiger Woods. Here are 10 of the most memorable Open Championships: 10. 2007 at Carnoustie It was the Open nobody wanted. Sergio Garcia blew a 6-shot lead. Andres Romero made 10 birdies in the final round but a double bogey on the 71st hole. Padraig Harrington double bogeyed the 72nd hole but recovered to beat Garcia in a playoff. 9. 1979 at Royal Litham & St. Annes 22-year-old Seve Ballesteros made the clinching birdie on the 71st hole after hitting his tee shot under a parked car and getting a free drop. The...

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In dramatic fashion, Bassler wins Maryland Open

Amateur drains 25-foot birdie putt on final hole PHOENIX, MD. - It was all slipping away for Matt Bassler -- his game, his four-shot lead, his stranglehold on the biggest title of his golf career. But one thing Bassler never lost was his composure. Faced with the most crucial putt of his life, Bassler got it all back. Pouring in a 25-footer for birdie on the 18th hole at Hillendale Country Club, Bassler, 23, won the 88th Maryland Open, punctuating his dramatic recovery with an overhand first pump toward the hole. It was a win for the ages. After signing his scorecard, Bassler received a hug from his father, Billy Bassler, a teaching pro at Rolling Road, who has come close but never...

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Shotmakers course full of demanding par 3s

Location » Woodbridge, Va. Phone » (703) 497-1384 Fees » $49 Weekday; $59 Weekend Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 70/5577/68.5/121 Description » Tight, 12-year-old shotmakers course, with a circuitous routing scheme, set on the water where the Occoquan River meets the Potomac. Course borders Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge and runs through the Belmont Bay development, which includes an array of new and old housing, high-rise hotels and condos, a marina, a river walk, and a town center. Course designed by Bob Mortensen. Reason to play » Great mix of memorable holes, incorporating woodlands, wetlands, highlands, river views, and a wildlife refuge. Given the...

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Who's Tiger's No. 2?

Phil Mickelson is home as wife Amy battles cancer. Ernie Els is making more wine than cuts. Padraig Harrington hasn't cashed a PGA check in two months. Jim Furyk hasn't won a tournament in almost two years. Sergio Garcia has a broken heart. And Vijay Singh is pitching Viagra. As the British Open begins today at Turnberry, the question is: What happened to all of Tiger Woods' competition? With so many other players with major-championship chops off the radar, has Tiger ever had such a clear path in a major? Woods, a victor two weeks ago at the AT&T National, is a 13 to 5 favorite. His chance of winning, according to the William Hill Betting House of London, is more than 10 times...

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The young and the stressful

We’re not putting Jason Campbell on this list. We know he’s on the hot seat and could be elsewhere. We’re not putting the rookie quarterbacks here, either, because, well, they need time. And we’d include Vince Young except that he isn’t likely to start, barring a major turnaround. But there are three other young quarterbacks who will be heavily scrutinized this season: Matt Cassel » He must prove that he was not a one-year fluke and that he deserves the money. One thing we do know is that he’s no Scott Mitchell, the epitome of one-year wonders. The difference is their approach: Mitchell was not considered coachable and thought he was above...

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Have the Lakers improved in offseason?

Is this a trade you would make: Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza for Ron Artest? Me neither. But it could be one the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers essentially make this offseason. They've already lost Ariza and gained Artest. But they've now pulled their offer to Odom off the table. In pro sports, however, nothing is ever off the table permanently. Consider this an attention grabber. "He will come back crawling," one NBA source said of Odom. His options are limited: Few teams have the room to offer him the $10-million-a-year contract he wants. The Lakers only want to give him $9 million a year. Odom is an inconsistent offensive player, but his length as a perimeter...

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No loser in Virginia Women's Amateur

Oakton's Greenlief falls to U.Va. teammate Some losses are easier to accept. Take, for example, Lauren Greenlief's defeat in the 84th Virginia Women's Amateur. Facing close friend Whitney Neuhauser in the match-play finals Friday at Danville Golf Club, Greenlief engaged her University of Virginia teammate in a high-level showdown that went 20 holes. When Neuhauser hit a pitching wedge to within 10 inches on the second playoff hole, it was an appropriate conclusion to a dazzling match that included 13 birdies. Bidding to become the first player in 18 years to win the Virginia Women's Stroke Play and Amateur titles in the same season, Greenlief had no regrets on her performance -- six...

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From Russia with touch

Chantilly’s Ritter wins Bobby Bowers Memorial As an elementary schooler in Russia, Timur Khassanov’s favorite sport was soccer. But that was before he moved to the United States, acquired a new name and was introduced to golf. A decade later, Khassanov, now known as Tim Ritter, is one of the best schoolboy players in the Washington area. Thursday the Chantilly resident proved it with a resounding victory over Sean Bosdosh of Clarksburg, 7 and 5, in the Bobby Bowers Memorial at Springfield Country Club. Ritter’s domination of the 16-17 Division final was an appropriate conclusion. In winning six grueling rounds of match-play the last three days, the only time Ritter...

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Courses you can play: Maryland National Golf Club

Maryland National Golf Club Location » Middletown, Md. Phone » 301-371-0000 Fees » $79 Weekday; $89 Weekend Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 71/6811/73.1/139 Description » Seven-year-old course with dramatic layout on rugged terrain. Plenty of trouble comes in the form of forced carries, wetlands, fairway bunkers, woodlands, tall fescue grass, and elevation change. Reason to play » Majestic mountain views, immaculate conditions, strong amenities, and another intriguing design by Arthur Hills. Latest among a competitive collection of upscale courses in Frederick County including Worthington Manor, Musket Ridge, Whiskey Creek, and P.B. Dye. All came online between...

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Women's U.S. Open under a cloud

This week spotlight falls on troubled LPGA Oh woe is the LPGA. In a week when Tiger Woods is changing diapers in Florida and his tour moves to one of its lowest profile events, the John Deere Classic, the women assume the spotlight in Bethlehem, Pa. for their signature event -- the U.S. Women's Open. But do they really want the attention this week? This Women's Open will be played under a dark cloud after news that a group of the circuit's most influential players have called for the resignation of Commissioner Carolyn Bivens. After Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Morgan Pressel, and others met for dinner during last week's Jamie Farr Classic, they sent a letter to the LPGA...

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Club techs keep pros on course

Trailers allow players chance to make tweaks Wearing safety glasses and an apron, Wade Liles looks like a junior high shop teacher. But he is a fixture in a much more glamorous environment, the PGA Tour. Liles works in the TaylorMade trailer, building, tweaking, and maintaining clubs. At Congressional last week, approximately 45 of the 120 players in the field were under contract with the California-based company. In a span of 20 minutes Tuesday afternoon, Liles was visited by pros John Malinger, Richard S. Johnson and Dean Wilson. Also waiting to see the club doctor were the caddies for two other players. On occasion, players will enter the trailer and work on the clubs...

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Nice story, not All-Star worthy

No, the fate of the free world doesn't depend on which players make the final rosters for Major League Baseball's All-Star game in St. Louis. But it would still be nice if the decisions were made with some sort of consistent logic. Instead -- with fans, players and managers all having some say in who represents the American League and National League teams -- there is always a list of head-scratching choices. This year's questionable decisions: Josh Hamilton as a starter? The Texas slugger was a great story at last year's Home Run Derby in New York and fans have a right to pick players they want to see. But it's still hard to accept Hamilton as an All-Star when he's played in just 35...

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AT&T National's perfect storm

Anthony Kim was an appealing winner of the AT&T National in 2008. But where television ratings are concerned, he was no match for tournament host Tiger Woods, who drew three times as many viewers Sunday as Kim's victory pulled last year. According to CBS, Sunday's broadcast drew a 4.6 rating and an 11 share, up from a 1.5 rating and a 3 share last year. It was the highest rating for a non-major on CBS since the Buick Invitational in January, 2008, also won by Woods. The tournament was an overwhelming success in person as well -- all four days drew record crowds. From Tuesday-Sunday, 194,073, came to Congressional, an increase from 107,120 last year when Woods missed the tournament...

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Don't expect Ovechkin to back down

Capitals star left wing Alex Ovechkin is Russian to the core. The two-time Hart Trophy winner said time and again last season that playing in the Winter Olympics in his home country in 2014 is a "dream" and that he would be bitterly disappointed if the NHL tries to prevent its players from participating. Ovechkin is backing up his words. He was named Monday an "official ambassador" to the 2014 games in Sochi, the Black Sea resort town that will host the Olympics when Ovechkin is still just 28. But will he even have the chance? NHL owners and general managers were not happy with the way injuries were reported back to them during the Turin Olympics in 2006 and tabled...

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Woods revises the script

Host edges Mahan to win AT&T National Battling his heir apparent, Anthony Kim, in the final twosome, tournament host Tiger Woods couldn't have conjured up a better story line for his third AT&T National. When Hunter Mahan inserted himself into the script, Woods re-wrote the ending. Rolling in a 20-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole, Woods defeated Mahan by a stroke to win at Congressional Country Club. Shooting a 3-under-par 67 Sunday, Woods (64-66-70-67 -- 267) finished 13-under to hold off the onrushing Mahan, who matched the course record with a final-round 62. In winning his tournament for the first time, Woods captured a first-place check of $1.08 million. "It was a...

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Prowling 18 holes with Tiger Woods

At Congressional, Woods' fans are in awe It's 7:35 a.m. Friday, 37 minutes before Tiger Woods is to tee off in the second round of the AT&T National, and his fans have already gathered at the driving range, 10 rows deep and on tiptoes, to see the world's greatest golfer. For the next five hours at Congressional Country Club, Woods will be the focus of tens of thousands. People will stand 10-20 deep at tee boxes and greens. They will line every fairway and every path from green to tee. They will pick spots on high ground, often hundreds of yards away. Walking 18 holes with Woods is an exercise in adulation. His fans are different. They are polite and respectful. When he walks off...

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Kim-pressive opening

With course-record 62, defending champ picks up where he left off AT&T National defending champion Anthony Kim said all the right things Thursday. He's not hitting driver on every par 4. He's not firing at every pin. He's not trying to drain every putt. He's gaining an appreciation for the course management skills of players such as Jim Furyk. So standing on the 9th fairway, 283 yards from the pin, leading the AT&T by two strokes at 8-under-par, what does Kim do? Naturally, he goes for it. Stuffing his 3-wood back in his bag and pulling out a hybrid, Kim fires just short of the green, into a bunker. After blasting to within 10 feet and missing his birdie putt, Kim...

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Even Tiger no match for Mother Nature

After 64, Woods wants Congressional to play harder and faster Tiger Woods says he’d like to see Congressional play tougher for his AT&T National, but admits there’s one thing even he can’t control — the weather. Wednesday night’s storm dumped enough water on Congressional Blue to soften the 7,255-yard course, especially for those who teed off in the morning. Defending champion Anthony Kim took advantage of the conditions to fire a course-record 62. In the afternoon, Woods shot a 64. “You can be so aggressive out there — fire at a lot of flags. The fairways get wide, because it’s not going to run out,” said Woods. “If you...

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Opening act is a success

Finchem addresses drug-testing program After leading his partners, including Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and House Minority Leader John Boehner, around Congressional in the Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am, Tiger Woods hit the ceremonial first shot of the AT&T National Wednesday morning. Flanked by wounded warriors, Maj. Ken Dwyer of Fort Bragg, N.C. and Staff Sgt. Ramon Padilla of Walter Reed Medical Center, Woods told the others to hit "on the count of three." In unison, Woods and the soldiers, both with prosthetic left arms, hit solid shots down the first fairway of Congressional's Blue Course. The ceremony was hosted by WJLA anchor Leon Harris and included a...

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More Tiger-proofing?

Club specifications ruling will be upheld A day after playing newly refurbished Avenel, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem made an announcement that reverberated across the street Tuesday morning to Congressional, host of this week's AT&T National. Finchem said that the PGA is standing by the United States Golf Association's recent ruling on club specifications and will put them into effect on Jan. 1. Next year, PGA Tour professionals must play with clubs that will put less backspin on the ball. Recent club technology allows players to spin the ball from out of the rough, allowing them to stop the ball on the green and mitigate the penalty for drives that fail to find...

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Changes at Avenel

On most holes at Avenel, greens and tees are in relatively the same locations. These are the exceptions: Hole No. 6 Hole converted from a par 5 to par 4. The green was shifted from the right side of Rock Run to the left. It now measures a staunch 493 yards. Result » Hole has gone from gimmicky to one of the best on the course. Hole No. 9 Greg Norman will be happy to discover that the hole he suggested should "be blown up," finally has. The green, formerly a 60-foot drop from the tee, now sits on the hillside, further left. Result » Dramatic change for the better. Now a gentile 20-foot drop to green. Hole No. 10 Hole converted from par 4 to par 5. Green...

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Meanwhile, over at Avenel

Redesign has made the Potomac course tougher and better On the eighth green Monday when Brad Faxon saw Avenel general manager Mike Sullivan and designer Steve Wenzloff, he quickly made his feelings known about the steroid-injected course. "Man, this is the hardest course I've ever played," said the PGA Tour veteran. "You gotta take it easier on us." Faxon had yet to see 10 holes, but eight were enough to convince the PGA Tour veteran of Avenel's new teeth. At 7,262 yards and at par 70 (with a rating of 74.9 and a slope of 145), the renovated course with a new name -- TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm -- is longer, tougher, and more traditional than its quirky,...

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Not Tiger's field of dreams

Only 13 of the top 50 to play Congressional With Congressional undergoing renovation in preparation for the 2011 U.S. Open, this year's AT&T National is one last chance for the world's best players to take on the famed Blue Course. That would seem to be reason to draw a strong field for the third annual event. Instead, 37 of the world's top 50 are staying home this week. The poor turnout continues a trend of decreased player interest in the Tiger Woods-hosted event. The tournament drew 22 of the world's top 50 in its inaugural year, 2007, and 17 of the top 50 last July. Where television ratings and attendance are concerned, any field that includes Woods is a good one. His...

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Can the Congressional renew Kim?

Defending champion regaining his game When Tiger Woods missed the 2008 AT&T National, Anthony Kim did the near-impossible task of filling the void. With a final round 65, Kim fist-pumped his way to a charismatic victory. Clad in Nike and raised in Southern California with Asian bloodlines, comparisons to Woods was unavoidable. A year later, however, the AT&T National remains Kim's last PGA Tour win. What happened to the player who eagerly embraced his identity as America's next great golfer? "This year has been very frustrating to say the least," said Kim, 24. "I was definitely looking for far bigger and better things." This week at Congressional Country...

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Nats finally bust it loose

Heroes galore in Nats' 9-3 win over Red Sox Fans of the bullpen-challenged Washington Nationals have learned a hard lesson this season — no lead is safe. So as the Nats built a big advantage against the Boston Red Sox Thursday night, joy was tempered by memories of good games gone bad. But in the seventh inning, when Willie Harris blasted a two-run home run high in the rightfield stands, giving Washington an eight-run bulge, there was no more trepidation. As Harris circled the bases, the Nats piped Chuck Brown’s “Bustin Loose” over the loudspeaker. Report card MVP Rookie Jordan Zimmermann quieted the hot bats of the Red Sox and their boisterous fans, who took...

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1757 Golf Club building its way to a full 18-hole public course

Description » Originally designed as an upscale private course, catering to corporate clients, and named the Presidential, the facility has been opened to the public after builders were evicted last fall with the course halfway built. Ten holes are complete. The rest will be ready next spring. Built on marshland near Broad Run and Redskins Park, 1757 is managed by Billy Casper Golf. Reason to play » To preview what could become an outstanding public course. Interesting design and excellent bentgrass conditions leave you anxious to play the full 18 holes, the last eight of which are in various stages of completion. Range and practice facility are expansive and lush with all...

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Pooling their resources to an amateur title

They were once Washington area schoolboy rivals. But these days, Sheldon Buytenhuys gives Jason Pool swing advice. Last weekend at River Creek, when Pool, a former Virginia AAA state champion at Langley, won the 36th Northern Virginia Amateur, he credited Buytenhuys, a former Churchill standout, now a teaching pro at Trump National. Pool, 33, a member at River Bend, shot 68-74-73 -- 215 to beat Blair Johnson (Chantilly National) by two strokes, winning the tournament for the first time after runner up finishes in 2001 (to Brian Quackenbush) and 2005 (to Dan Hosek). "It was nice, especially being so close before," said Pool. "It kind of came out of the blue. I had not...

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Funk commits to Constellation

Former Maryland golf coach Fred Funk, the runner-up at the 2008 Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship, has committed to this year's event, tournament officials announced today. The tournament, the Champions Tour's final major of the season, returns to historic Baltimore Country Club Sept. 28-Oct. 4. "Fred put on a tremendous show last year when he finished one shot behind D.A. Weibring," said Tournament Executive Director Steve Schoenfeld. "He's a fan favorite here with his ties to the University of Maryland, and we're thrilled he's committed to play this year's event." One of three Champions Tour regulars in the U.S. Open, along with Tom Lehman and...

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New stroke garners record-breaking results

Local golfer matches event's best score ever After a redshirt freshman year at the University of Virginia, Oakton's Lauren Greenlief entered the summer with little idea how her new golf swing would hold up under tournament pressure. With her victory in the Virginias Women's Stroke Play Championship, Greenlief's rebuilt swing has passed a major test. Not only did Greenlief (72-68-70 - 210) win the tournament at Richmond's Meadowbrook Country Club, the 18-year-old matched the best score ever in the 32-year event, and fired her career-low round. "It's awesome to see it all pay off," said Greenlief. "The new swing has given me so much more consistency, and with that, more...

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The glamorous life at Woodmont

Wie, O'Neal draw fans but come up short Playing lead roles in U.S. Women's Open Sectional qualifying Monday at Woodmont Country Club were Michelle Wie and the fabulous navel of Blair O'Neal. Wie, arguably the most recognizable women's golfer in the world, despite her failure to win an LPGA tournament, and O'Neal, a struggling mini-tour pro, who owes her fame to her looks, her minimalist attire, and the Golf Channel reality show, Big Break Prince William Island, were an eye-catching duo as they played 36 holes together Monday. But despite drawing the most onlookers, neither qualified. In a strong field of 111 players, many who competed Sunday in the LPGA Championship at Bulle Rock,...

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Birdie binge propels Mulieri

Silver Spring resident closes in on winning Maryland Amateur Effortlessly, Zach Lese slipped the back edge of his Bettinardi putter under the coin and tossed it to Jay Mulieri. Conceding three straight holes in the finals of the Maryland Amateur, Lese became adept at the concession flip Tuesday at the Chevy Chase Club. It wasn’t because Lese was playing poorly. He was caught in his opponent’s buzzsaw. Making five straight birdies, Mulieri had taken control in his efforts to win the same tournament claimed by his brother, Mike, a year ago. When a thunderstorm struck and play was called in their 36-hole final, Mulieri had the lead, 3 up, with three holes left. Play will...

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Party time for Gronberg

Swedish veteran wins PG County Open Mathias Gronberg's first look at Woodmore Country Club was for a bachelor party. Eleven years later, when Gronberg returned to Woodmore, he had another reason to celebrate. Firing an immaculate 19-under par, Gronberg won his first tournament in six years, the Melwood Prince George's County Open. Shooting 68-69-67-65 - 269, Gronberg ran away from the field in the final round, turning the bunched leaderboard into a rout. On a day he played 36 holes after Friday's rainout, Gronberg rolled to a six-stroke victory over Robert Damron and Justin Bolli, matching the largest victory margin on the Nationwide Tour this year. "It was a pleasure to play...

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History beckons for Mulieri(s)

In Maryland Amateur, Mulieri shooting for a family repeat When defending champion Mike Mulieri, 22, was knocked out of the Maryland Amateur Saturday morning, it was younger brother, Jay, 19, who came to his defense. Defeating Phil Fairbanks in 19 tension-filled holes Saturday afternoon, Mulieri avenged his brother's surprising loss. Two days later, Jay Mulieri has a chance to make history. With a win Tuesday over Zach Lese, 26, in the 36-hole final at Chevy Chase, Mulieri can become the first player in the 88-year history of the Maryland Amateur to match the accomplishment of his brother. "We want to keep the family name on the trophy," said Mulieri, a member at Avenel....

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Fairbanks takes on the Mulieri family at the Maryland Amateur

Playoff survivor brings down defending champ It took 36 hours to complete a nine-man playoff for two slots in the Maryland Amateur. For the ultimate survivor, Phil Fairbanks, it was good preparation for his match-play opener against top-seeded Mike Mulieri. Matching the defending champion shot-for-shot, Fairbanks upset Mulieri, 1 up, Saturday morning at Chevy Chase Club. Quarterfinal pairings » Phil Fairbanks (Hobbits Glen) Jay Mulieri (Avenel) vs. Brendan Kelly (Naval Academy) » Charlie Winegardner (Old South) vs. Denny McCarthy (Argyle) » David Nocar (Chartwell) or Zach Lese (Argyle) vs. Jeff Graf (Little Bennett) or John Howson (Towson) » Chris Rockwell...

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Hultzen embraces full-time duty

Virginia recruited Bethesda's Danny Hultzen to be a pitcher. But Hultzen has been much more. This weekend when Virginia (46-12-1) plays at Mississippi (43-18) in a best-of-three NCAA Super Regional, the Cavaliers will be counting on more from Hultzen than any other player. The St. Albans graduate is a rarity at college baseball's top level -- an everyday player who pitches. In his freshman season, Hultzen has a 9-1 record with a 2.01 ERA. When he's not on the mound, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound left-hander plays first base, batting .335. "It wasn't the plan," said Hultzen of his full-time role. "I didn't have the confidence that I could hit at this level. But once we got into...

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Who to watch this year at the Melwood

Nationwide Tour event begins play Thursday Nationwide Tour events include players in a variety of stages of their careers. Here are a few to watch when the Melwood Prince George's County Open tees off today at the Country Club at Woodmore: Michael Sim » Has won twice this year. With a victory this week, the Australian, 24, would become the first man to earn automatic promotion to the PGA Tour since fellow Australian (and housemate) Nick Flanagan achieved the feat two years ago. Sim leads the Nationwide in money ($370,567), putts per round (28.4) and is third in driving accuracy (83.0 percent), on which there is a premium at tree-lined, thick-roughed Woodmore. Sim graduated from...

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Expect Woodmore to play tough at this weekend's Melwood Open

Country Club at Woodmore Location » Mitchellville, Md Phone » 301-249-6100 Fees » Private Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 72/7059/75.0/137 Description » Traditional 28-year-old course with tree-lined fairways, dogleg holes, push-up greens, and water hazards. Arnold Palmer-Ed Seay design is rated by “Golf Digest” as one of the top 10 courses in the mid-Atlantic. The centerpiece of a gated community, but homes line the fairway on only four holes. Historical perspective » Established in 1923 as Prince George’s County Golf and Country Club and located on nearby Landover Road, the club moved to its present site in 1981. Name was changed to Woodmore...

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They don't know Jack

Grudgingly, Nicklaus softens Muirfield Last year when tournament host Jack Nicklaus kicked Muirfield Village Golf Club up a notch with furrowed bunkers, thick rough and rock-hard greens in an attempt to replicate major-championship conditions, he might have gone overboard. Playing to a stroke average of 74.6, the Memorial was the most difficult tournament on the PGA Tour. But this year, with an elite field returning to Dublin, Ohio, Nicklaus has softened his course and quieted his critics. Getting Nicklaus to admit that he did so under pressure, however, is another matter. According to Nicklaus, the PGA asked him to tone down some of the more penal aspects of Muirfield...

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Five to watch at Memorial

Tiger Woods Ya think? After skipping the Texas three-step, expect Woods to return to the tour with his driving woes corrected as he preps for the U.S. Open in two weeks. As a three-time winner of Memorial, it's safe to assume Woods likes this course. Kenny Perry Defending champion won his third Memorial last year and has shown no signs of decline at age 48, with six top-10 finishes in 13 events this season. Won the FBR in March. Kentucky native loves playing close to home in Ohio. Steve Marino After another close call last week, losing to Steve Stricker in three-man playoff, Marino is vying with Tim Clark for the dubious distinction of "best player without a PGA...

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At 42, Johnson a surprise

Winner last week tees off in Melwood P.G. County Open After missing 30 of 36 cuts the last two years on the Nationwide Tour, Kevin Johnson considered the possibility that his journeyman golf career was over. Who could blame him? With a wife and two young daughters at home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Johnson had ample reason to seek an alternate occupation after earning $6,479 in 2008. But this year has brought sudden and unexpected success. In winning in a playoff last week at the Rex Hospital Open in Raleigh, N.C., Johnson has virtually locked up a slot on the 2010 PGA Tour and done it at the unlikely age of 42. Thursday at Woodmore Country Club, Johnson tees off, along with 155...

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Fearless Forecast

WHAT TO WATCH PGA » The Memorial, Thursday-Sunday After skipping the Texas Three Step, Tiger Woods returns to the PGA Tour this week for Jack Nicklaus' annual event in Dublin, Ohio. Woods took the Memorial three straight years (1999-2001), but hasn't won since. He'll be challenged by defending champion Kenny Perry, also a three-time winner. NHL » Penguins at Red Wings, Sunday, 8 p.m., NBC HD Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals -- a rematch between last year's finalists -- will take place on network television in prime time. And that's a good thing because then the series disappears back to VERSUS for Games 3 and 4. NBC would broadcast the final three games. MLB »...

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Mason tries to make history

No Washington-area team has ever made the CWS When Billy Brown moved from New Jersey to Falls Church in middle school, he had no trouble fitting it. A sharp-tongued, three-sport star, Brown introduced his new neighbors to his humorous, Philadelphia lexicon, which he delivered in an entertaining staccato. Nearly four decades later, in his 28th year as baseball coach at George Mason University, Brown is still holding court, taking his loose, confident Patriots to the NCAA tournament. Tonight in Greenville, N.C., when Mason (42-12) plays South Carolina (38-21), the Patriots hope to take their first step toward uncharted territory — the College Baseball World Series. Since the...

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Traditional layout and affordable course at Potomac Ridge

Location » Waldorf, Md. Phone » (301) 372-1305 Fees » $49 Weekday; $57 Weekend Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope Meadows/Hollow » 71/6603/71.9/135 Hollow/Ridge » 73/6747/72.8/139 Ridge/Meadows » 72/6600/71.9/131 Description » Secluded, 14-year-old, 27-hole course, on the border of Prince George's and Charles counties. Traditional layout and a mixture of wooded and open holes. Moderately-sized greens are flat and relatively slow. Reason to play » Affordable course for players of all skill levels, with three distinct nines and a country feel, although just eight miles from Beltway. Well-run with nicer facilities (clubhouse, terrace, range,...

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A quick round? No travel necessary

Silver Spring's Nogay has small course in back yard The first time Brian Nogay visited the Web site, Google Earth, and saw a satellite image of his back yard, he was thrilled to see it stand out from the rest in his Silver Spring neighborhood. Why? Nogay has built a small golf course -- one Bermuda grass green in the middle of his backyard, with nine small tee boxes cleverly situated around the perimeter of his 1.5-acre property. Nogay and his children, Justin, a freshman golfer at Mt. St. Mary's College, and Mary, a sophomore golfer at the Academy of the Holy Cross, are regulars on the makeshift course, along with Nogay's golf pals. "It sets us apart from our neighbors, that's...

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Nats-Mets Report Card

Most Valuable Player For the second straight day, menacing Gary Sheffield, 40, did in the Nats with a three-run home run. Sheffield pole-axed a low-inside pitch from Jason Bergmann in the bottom of the seventh for his fifth home run. He shall be Livan Mets pitcher Livan Hernandez dazzled his former team, scattering nine hits, walking one, and fanning six over nine laborious (127 pitches), but largely stress-free innings. Hernandez (4-1) coaxed Nats into three double plays. One Dunn Adam Dunn showed his immense power, blasting an opposite-field home run, 10 feet inside the left-field foul pole. It was Dunn’s 15th home run, third best in the NL behind the Phillies’ Raul Ibanez...

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Pats gets NCAA berth, Cavs gets Strasburg?

Losing back-to-back games in the Colonial Athletic Association baseball tournament Friday was a blow to the NCAA tournament hopes of George Mason. But three anxious days later, the Patriots were rewarded Monday with their first NCAA berth since 2004. Mason (42-12), seeded third, will play No. 2 South Carolina (38-21) in a four-team double-elimination tournament next weekend, which includes No. 4 Binghamton (29-20) and the top-seeded host, East Carolina (42-17). Atlantic Coast Conference champion Virginia (43-12-1) will travel west, playing at Cal-Irvine. The No. 2 Cavaliers will open with No. 3 San Diego State (40-21) Friday at 7 p.m. and could face Aztecs' ace Stephen Strasburg,...

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Syracuse-Cornell Quarter breakdown

First Quarter Cornell senior M John Glynn owns the first period, scoring two goals, assisting on another, and winning three of six faceoffs to lead the Big Red to a 3-2 lead. Disciplined Cornell is at its best when it can dictate tempo. Key Play » Getting the lead. Going into the game, Cornell is 12-0 when leading after one period. Second Quarter Syracuse has a big edge in athletic ability. Orange defensive midfielder Jovan Miller makes the kind of play Cornell fears -- forcing a turnover at midfield, racing the ball upfield, and finding Dan Hardy for an easy fast-break tally to tie it 4-4. Key Play » As time expires on a man-up situation, Cornell All-America M Max...

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Syracuse-Cornell Report Card

We can be heroes When Cody Jamieson (two goals) scored the game-winner, 80 seconds into OT, he sprinted to the other end of the field to celebrate with senior defender Sid Smith, whose strip of Cornell's Ryan Hurley had just given Syracuse possession. Jamieson, academically ineligible for much of the year, and Smith grew up together on an Indian reservation in Canada and played at the same high school, Hagersville Secondary, in Ontario. Most Valuable Player Syracuse 6-foot-4 senior midfielder Dan Hardy (two goals, two assists) figured in three of the Orange's final five goals, including the game-winner in OT, when he faked a shot from the wing and passed to Jamieson for a better...

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Party-crashing Tar Heels in women's lacrosse final

Undefeated Northwestern will battle North Carolina A chance to play four-time defending NCAA champion Northwestern in its home state in the national title game was the dream scenario for the Maryland women's lacrosse team. But Friday night at Towson University, North Carolina spoiled the party in the semifinals, toppling the previously undefeated Terps, 8-7, as freshman attack Laura Zimmerman came off the bench to score a career-high three goals, including the game winner with 8 minutes, 22 seconds remaining. Sunday at Johnny Unitas Stadium, Carolina (16-4) will try to topple another undefeated power in Northwestern (22-0). The Wildcats survived Friday with a 13-12 victory over Penn...

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Outstanding layout, fast greens at Waverly Woods

Waverly Woods Golf Club Location » Mariottsville, Md. Phone » 410-313-9182 Fees » $64 Weekday, $79 Friday, $84 Saturday-Sunday. Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 72/7024/73.1/132 Description » Designed by Arthur Hills, 11-year-old Waverly features wide, playable landing areas and fast greens. Built on farmland, the course defies easy description. Housing developments are springing up around Waverly, spoiling some sight lines, but rarely encroaching on the course. Reasons to play » Outstanding, thoughtful layout on rolling, varied piece property. The 2002 Maryland course of the year might have the best greens on a public course in the Washington area. The...

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Private loss is public gain

1757 Golf Club opens this weekend in Dulles The most prestigious golf course in Washington is Congressional. So when ground broke in Dulles on a facility called The Presidential, there was little doubt about its ambitions. Billed as a one-of-a-kind private club for the corporate community, The Presidential would eclipse nearby Landsdowne and take its place among the elites in the D.C. area. But last fall, when its manicured bentgrass fairways went to seed before The Presidential was even opened, it was a sign of the woeful economic times, and the struggling golf industry. Eight months later, the course has been revived. Recast as a public facility, the 1757 Golf Club has a more modest...

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Focus on Pac-10 in women’s golf

Top college players, teams compete at Caves Valley Inquiring minds want to know about the NCAA Women’s Championship, hosted this year by Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills. Here are some questions and answers: 1. Who is the defending team champion? No. 3 USC won the 2008 title and is led by freshman Jennifer Song and sophomore Lizette Salas, who are ranked No. 2 and No. 3 respectively in the nation. USC will be hard pressed to repeat, however, as it finished second to No. 1 Arizona State in the Pac-10 and West Regional championship. No. 2 UCLA, which won the Central Regional and has five players in the top 50, has superior depth. 2. Who is the defending individual champion?...

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Virginia poised to make history, again

No stopping Cavs’ offense in 19-8 rout of Hopkins ANNAPOLIS – Fans speak in reverence about the 2006 Virginia lacrosse team, which scored a tournament record 66 goals on its way to the NCAA title. Three years later, with a few holdovers from that undefeated squad, the Cavaliers’ offense looks ready to re-write the record book. Sunday at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Virginia swarmed Johns Hopkins, 19-8, in an overwhelming display of firepower before 12,142. Led by senior attack Garrett Billings (four goals, three assists), freshman attack Steele Stanwick (two goals, five assists), and sophomore midfielder Shamel Bratton (five goals), the Cavaliers delivered coach Dom...

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Duke blankets UNC star Bitter

Blue Devils stifle nation’s leading scorer, beat Heels for third time this year ANNAPOLIS – Frustrated all game by the Duke defense, dynamic North Carolina star Billy Bitter had the ball in his stick, running downfield in transition with 18 seconds left and a chance to tie the NCAA quarterfinal game. But as they did the whole day, the Blue Devils found a way to stop the nation’s leading scorer. Trailing the play, senior midfielder Sam Payton jarred the ball lose to sew up Duke’s 12-11 victory Sunday at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. With the win, the Blue Devils advance to the NCAA Final Four for the fourth time in the last five years. Duke (15-3) will play...

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Maryland falls hard in NCAA quarterfinals

Terps can’t solve Syracuse backup goalie as Orange win, 11-6 On the worst day of the season for Syracuse starting goalie John Galloway to be out with the flu, his replacement, Al Cavalieri was “sick.” That’s the description ESPN announcer Quint Kessenich used for Cavalieri’s back-to-back saves from point-blank range in Syracuse’s 11-6 victory over Maryland in the NCAA quarterfinals Saturday in Hempstead, N.Y. Making the first start of his career, Cavalieri was a more than adequate replacement, making 13 saves. He shut out Maryland (10-7) for the first 16 minutes, 45 seconds, staking the defending NCAA champions to a 4-0 lead. “They had a couple...

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The stars come out in Annapolis

Focus is on standouts Sunday in quarterfinals When Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis hosts a pair of NCAA men’s lacrosse quarterfinal games Sunday, there will be no lack of star power. Here are the offensive leaders of their respective teams: Billy Bitter, North Carolina Explosive sophomore, perhaps the most potent scoring threat in the sport, arrives in Annapolis at the top of his game. Sunday against UMBC, Bitter had one of the greatest individual performances in tournament history, scoring eight goals on nine shots to propel Carolina to a 15-13 victory over UMBC. His only miss came on his final shot. Bitter was aiming at an open goal, but a defenseman deflected the...

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Some kisses better than others

Georgetown Prep dominates Landon, 11-3, earns tie for IAC lacrosse title Several minutes after the Interstate Athletic Conference lacrosse tournament final, Georgetown Prep coach Kevin Giblin shook the hand of Landon coach Rob Bordley at midfield. “Well, we kissed our sister again,” said Giblin, referring to their tie for the IAC title. Giblin and Bordley have been bitter combatants at rival schools for 23 years. Their tie for the crown this year was appropriate. But there was no question who felt better Wednesday afternoon after Prep’s resounding 11-3 victory. Series notes » It wasn’t Prep’s most decisive win of the series. The Little Hoyas won...

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Wide fairways, surprising elevation at Heron

Heron Ridge Golf Club Location » Virginia Beach, Va. Phone » 757-426-3800 Fees » $69; Virginia residents $52 (weekday), $62 (weekend). Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 72/7017/73.9/131 Description » Ten-year-old course, designed by Gene Bates and Fred Couples, part links, part parkland, with a wide variety of holes, 14 of which have water or wetlands, and several on the back with surprising elevation change. Reasons to play » Great layout on a varied piece of property; excellent conditions, and with only a few forced carries, very playable for high-handicappers. This is a high-level course with a mid-range price tag. Signature hole » No. 12 »...

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Dressed for success for the Presidents Cup

Stylish captains Norman and Couples discuss their 2009 competition What has been Greg Norman's greatest challenge as captain of the International team in the upcoming Presidents Cup? "I have a eclectic collection of players," said Norman. "From the guys who like to dress European to the guys who like to dress conservative, from the guys who are young, to the guys who are old, from Vijay [Singh] to Camilo Villegas." Wardrobe is no small concern to a man known with his own successful line of apparel and as much for his golf style as his golf accomplishments. Another style-conscious player, Fred Couples, will captain the United States. "I've got Anthony Kim...

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Melwood goes Nationwide

P.G. County Open date moves to early June When asked the attendance at the first two Melwood Prince George's County Opens, tournament director Teo Sodeman answers, "25 to 30,000." The temptation is to ask the follow-up, "People?" Regardless of how many golf fans were actually at Woodmore Country Club the last two years, there is ample evidence that the Melwood Open is gaining traction on the Nationwide Tour. This year, Sodeman successfully lobbied for a better date, June 4-7, moving the Melwood off its traditional Memorial Day slot. "Memorial Day weekend cost us some fans and some sponsorship support," said Sodeman. "In this town, a lot of people go...

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New-look Terps topple Notre Dame in NCAA tourney opener

New-look Terps topple Notre Dame in NCAA tourney...

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Top 10: Sports moms

What does it take to be a great sports mom? You don’t have to play, but it helps. The one qualification is giving birth. With that in mind, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, here are 10 great sports mothers, in no particular order: 10 » Barbara Nicklaus Never played golf, but considered one of the greatest ambassadors of the sport with her generosity and devotion to husband Jack Nicklaus, their five children, and 15 grandchildren, all who live less than 15 miles away in Florida. Raised more than $10 million for charities. 9 » Brenda Frese The University of Maryland women’s basketball coach gave birth to twin boys — Tyler Joseph Thomas and Markus William...

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Courses you can play » Jefferson District

Jefferson District Golf Course Location » Falls Church, Va. Phone » 703-573-0444 Fees (9 holes) » $21 Friday-Sunday; $17 Monday-Thursday Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 35/2472/68.8/101 Description » Executive, nine-hole, Fairfax County Park Authority course on rolling property with four ponds and some nice landscaping touches. Straight-forward layout with flat greens and no surprises. Reasons to play » Convenient location, excellent course for walkers, children. A nine-hole round can often be accomplished in less than two hours. Signature hole No. 4 » Par 4 » 335 Yards Intimidating hole with woods to the right, water left. Fairway slopes toward...

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LPGA » Only major champions need apply

Michelob Ultra Open identifies LPGA’s elite The PGA Tour holds its so-called “fifth major” this week, The Players Championship. If there is such a thing on the LPGA Tour, it’s the Michelob Ultra Open, which runs Thursday through Sunday in Williamsburg. In only in its seventh year, few tournaments on the women’s circuit have as distinguished a list of champions. Grace Park (2003), Se Ri Pak (2004), Cristie Kerr (2005), Karrie Webb (2006), Suzann Pettersen (2007) and Annika Sorenstam (2008) — major championship winners all — have triumphed at the River Course at Kingsmill. So it is no surprise that the Michelob, voted by players as the...

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Belle Haven 4-Ball » At 55, Tallent still young enough

Congressional member teams up with Reeves to win at Belle Haven At age 55, Vienna’s Pat Tallent was eligible to compete in the Senior Division at the Belle Haven 4-Ball last weekend. But that would have left his friend, 37-year-old Chris Reeves, without a partner in the 60th annual event. After winning in a playoff, it was clear that Tallent still has the game to compete with the top amateurs in the Washington area. Firing a 13-under-par 203 (68-65-70) in the best ball tournament, then outlasting Mike Wah and Vance Welch in five soggy playoff holes, Tallent and Reeves won for the second time in the last three years. “I owe it all to my partner,” said Reeves, who now...

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Golf » Five to watch

The par-three 17th hole is one of the shortest, but most diabolical. Here are some memorable moments at the hole: SEAN O’HAIR Leading by two strokes with two holes left in 2007, O’Hair rinsed his tee shot over the green, then duplicated his error from the drop area. O’Hair fell from first to 11th, handing Phil Mickelson his first Players Championship. BOB TWAY On the leader board at 7-under-par in the third round in 2005, Tway lost a battle with 30 mph winds, hitting five balls into the water on his way to a 12, replacing Robert Gamez’s Players record for futility (11) at the hole in 1990. LEN MATTIACE In 1998, local favorite Mattiace trailed Justin Leonard by a...

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Boxing » New trainer has Lange ready for match

Local boxer teams up with ex-Holyfield corner man What was the highlight for local boxer Jimmy Lange during five weeks of training in Arapahoe, N.C.? “Every Sunday, we had a field trip to Wal-Mart,” said Lange. “We didn’t really do anything but walk around, killing time. But it was our break from boxing, so we really looked forward to it.” Lange (29-3-2) thought he knew how to get ready for a match. But that was before he took on trainer Don Turner. In preparing for Saturday’s junior middleweight fight with journeyman Frank Houghtaling (19-15-5), Lange went through the most Spartan regimen of his career. “It was boxing 24/7,” said Lange,...

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Lost season turns heroic for Nagel

Injured attackman scores winning goal for Landon in 6-5 win over Georgetown Prep With his first goal of the season, Landon senior Andrew Nagel became the most unlikely hero in the rich history of the Washington area’s most intense high school lacrosse rivalry Wednesday afternoon. Scoring with 23 seconds left on a feed from Joe Paoletta, Nagel gave Landon a 6-5 victory over visiting Georgetown Prep. It was the first start of the season for Nagel, who suffered a partially torn ACL in February. Notes » Prep’s John Kemp (Notre Dame) had seven saves. » Landon, which won the first 18 games of the series, leads overall, 22-8. » Of the last 20 meetings, 16...

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Courses you can play » Pinecrest

Pinecrest Golf Course Location » Alexandria, Va. Phone » 703-941-1061 Fees » $21 Friday-Sunday; $17 Monday-Thursday Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 35/2462/64.9/103 Description » Executive, nine-hole, Fairfax County Park Authority course dotted with hills and water hazards. Replaced Pinecrest’s original full-sized course, which was reconfigured in the early 1980s to build single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Signature hole No. 8 » Par 5 » 450 Yards » Funky hole designed to be a three-shot par-five, but can be reached in two with power (a huge drive past fairway bunkers), height (a second shot from left side of fairway that...

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Courses you can play » Westfields Golf Club

Location » Clifton, Va. Phone » 703-631-3300 Fees » $89 Monday-Thursday; $109 Friday-Sunday Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope 71/6897/72.7/136 Description » Magnificently manicured, upscale course on wooded, varied piece of property, set apart from bustling surroundings. Great mix of holes and green complexes with elaborate bunkers. Front nine is long and straight-forward, with three par-4s clocking in at 448-plus yards. Shorter back nine has more variety, elevation change, and requires more strategy. Course rating Conditions » 5-out-of-5 Layout » 5-out-of-5 Facilities » 5-out-of-5 Value » 3-out-of-5 For more courses you can play, check out...

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Top 10 » Redskins draft busts

No team in the NFL has shown more disdain for the first round of the NFL Draft than the Washington Redskins. In a span of 22 years (1969-1990), the Redskins held on to their first-round pick only three times. But they used those three picks wisely, electing Art Monk (No. 18 in 1980), Mark May (No. 20 in 1981), and Darrell Green No. 28 in 1983). But since that brief span, when General Manager Bobby Beathard ran the draft, the Redskins draft history has been spotty. The following are the Redskins' top 10 draft busts: 10 » Richie Lucas • 1960 • No. 4 • QB In consecutive years with the No. 4 overall pick, the Redskins selected dud QBs. In 1959 they took Boston...

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Can Saunders flip the Wiz’s record?

New coach excited about ‘unique opportunity’ Flip Saunders’ first job as a basketball coach came at age 22. He took over a Golden Valley Lutheran team that won six games. In Saunders’ first year, the Minneapolis Junior College went 23-4. In hiring Saunders 32 years later, the Wizards hope for a similar turnaround. After matching the franchise record for losses (63), the Wizards not only want to return to the playoffs, “but make some noise” there according to President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld, who introduced Saunders Thursday at Verizon Center with the words, “This is the man to lead us there.” Saunders, former coach of...

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Golf » Five to watch

Nick Watney Notched his first PGA Tour win here in 2007 and has been solid this season, with a victory at the Buick and eight top 25 finishes in nine starts. Fourth on money list and FedEx Cup standings. On pace to receive his first Presidents Cup berth. Steve Stricker Great putter overdue. Has been on leader boards all year, finishing sixth or better four times, but has no wins to show for it. No. 9 Stricker and No. 8 Sean O’Hair are the only players on the money list top 10 without a victory. Steve Marino Penal Pete Dye course does not suit Marino’s go-for-broke style, but Fairfax native, has been in top 20 in last two starts. After 12 top 10s in three seasons, what better...

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Lots of support for Perry

After Augusta breakdown, the Masters runner-up is feeling the love Heartbreak at Augusta National has brought many golfers to tears, some in public — such as Brandt Snedeker, Len Mattiace and Kenny Perry — and many more, it is assumed, in private. After losing a two-stroke lead in the final two holes, then falling in a playoff to Angel Cabrera 11 days ago in the Masters, Perry was not only overwhelmed by his emotions, but later, by his legions of support. “I received almost 600 e-mails, hundreds of cards and letters, people who genuinely cared,” said Perry, who returns to the tour this week at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Perry, 48, knew he was popular...

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Former Naval Academy star on Golf Channel’s ‘The Big Break’

As former Naval Academy All-American Aaron Wright prepares to hit an iron shot in the Golf Channel’s “Big Break Prince Edward Island,” one of his competitors says in awe, “This guy can play.” It’s not just Wright’s game that’s impressive. It’s his look — tall, broad shoulders, flat stomach, square jaw. It’s a look made for commanding troops, as Wright did as a Marine infantry officer in Afghanistan. It’s also a look made for television. In selecting competitors for it’s Big Break reality series, the Golf Channel is as aware of a pretty face as it is a pretty swing. This is the tenth installment of the Big...

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For Wizards, who stays, who goes?

Washington faces crucial decisions this offseason Signing Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison last summer set the Wizards on course to win now. But in their just completed, injury-riddled 19-63 season, it was clear that the roster had too many young players unable to contribute to the mission. So what will Washington do in the offseason? Expect a deal or two, maybe even one involving their first-round choice. If the Wizards can’t get a player who is ready to contribute immediately (Blake Griffin), why take on another long-term project? Thursday at Verizon Center as players received final evaluations, it was time to wonder who will be back. They’re back » Gilbert...

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Wizards 109, Cavaliers 101 » Just like old times

With lineup nearly intact, Wizards halt Cavaliers 13-game winning streak This is what the Washington Wizards envisioned in the preseason – a potent lineup with a trio of All-Stars, a noisy sellout crowd, Verizon Center rocking for an April game against the nemesis Cleveland Cavaliers. The only part of the scenario they didn’t accurately foresee was the stakes. So while the Wizards’ 109-101 victory over Cavaliers before 20,173 on Thursday night lacked magnitude, it at least held some promise for the future for the last-place team in the Eastern Conference. Up next » Heat @ Wizards When » Saturday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN/980...

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College Lacrosse Capsules

No. 8 Maryland at No. 14 Navy Where » Navy-Marine Corps Stadium When » Friday, 7 p.m. Maryland (6-3) is coming off an historic 7 OT loss at No. 1 Virginia, the longest game in NCAA Division I history. Junior A Will Yeatman, who had his best game as a Terp (two goals, three assists), will test the staunch defense of Navy (7-3). The Midshipmen rose Saturday with a 10-8 win at Georgetown as senior G Tommy Phelan made 15 saves. Maryland leads the series 50-31-1. No. 20 Fairfield at Georgetown Where » Multi-Sport Field When » Saturday, 1 p.m. The Hoyas (4-5, 0-3 Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference) can get their first set of consecutive wins this season by...

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Wizards » Turn back the clock

Wizards host LeBron, Cavs tonight at Verizon Up next » Cavaliers at Wizards » LeBron James leads Cleveland in scoring (28.3 points per game), rebounding (7.7 pg), assists (7.3 pg), and steals (1.8). For three years they were mortal enemies in the Eastern Conference, their annual playoff clash, filled with drama on and off the court. But this year, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards, quite literally, couldn’t be further apart. While, Cleveland (61-13) is in first place in the Eastern Conference, Washington (17-58) is last. So what happened? While the Cavaliers gained an All-Star guard, Mo Williams, and some other key pieces, the Wizards lost an All-Star...

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Another can’t miss kid

Ireland’s McIlroy, 19, has the game and the poise Golf’s next big thing comes along, oh, about every three months. Among those recently anointed — Danny Lee (New Zealand), Ryo Ishikawa (Japan), Jason Day (Australia), and Californians Anthony Kim and Jamie Lovemark. So what makes golf’s latest, greatest wunderkind, Rory McIlroy, different? It’s the walk, the talk, the way the 19-year-old from Northern Ireland breezes around a Doral or a Redstone, unaffected by his sudden fame, comfortable in a new country, at ease with the players he’s idolized since primary school. “You’re watching guys like Tiger and Phil and Ernie on the TV growing up...

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The 25 percent solution

By losing, Wiz, Grizzlies have very little to gain What’s at stake Wednesday night when the Wizards (17-58) face the Memphis Grizzlies (19-54)? Ranked No. 29 and No. 27 respectively in the NBA standings, both teams are positioned well for the lottery in the 30-team league. History tells us no team should be in a rush, however, to finish last. It’s rarely a ticket to the first pick. Since the current system was instituted in 1994, only one team that finished with the NBA’s worst record, and another who tied for the worst, have secured the top pick. Over the last 15 lotteries, teams that finished with the seventh-worst record have been awarded the coveted No. 1 as many...

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FINAL FOUR » NORTH CAROLINA

Analyzing the Tar Heels The Key Motivation. Falling behind 40-12 in last year’s national semifinal against Kansas was humiliating, especially for former Jayhawks coach Roy Williams. With mostly the same cast returning, will that spook the Tar Heels or spur them? The Troublemaker Opponents don’t game plan for Danny Green — the Heels’ threats are Ty Lawson, Tyler Hansbrough, and Wayne Ellington — but the stat-stuffing 6-6 swingman has length and athleticism that semifinal foe Villanova can’t match. Why they’ll win it all Because Carolina has at least five NBA players and one of them, Lawson, runs the most important position on the floor. This has...

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Arenas confident this time

After two failed attempts, guard trusts his rehab Three knee surgeries. Two failed comebacks. What will be different this time for Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas? After playing well (15 points, 10 assists) in Washington’s 98-96 loss to Detroit Saturday, in his first game this season, Arenas sounded convinced that his left knee troubles are behind him. His next test will likely come Thursday against visiting Cleveland. “The best part of this return is I actually stuck to the program in rehabbing,” said Arenas. “My legs are ten times stronger than they were. And I think the pressure wasn’t on as much this time around.” With no reason to rush back to a...

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Finally, it’s Zero hour at Verizon Center

Arenas returns in Wizards’ loss to Pistons, 98-96 At first it sounded like “Free Bird.” Then it was obvious what the voice, high in the stands, cried out during the national anthem. “Gill-Berrt,” was the joyous exclamation of a single fan speaking for a sellout crowd of 20,173. Up next » Wizards at Pacers When » Sunday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN/980 AM Indiana (30-43), a loser to playoff hopeful Chicago Saturday, is close to mathematical elimination in its quest to catch Detroit (35-37) for the final playoff slot in the Eastern Conference. All-Star Danny Granger (24.8 points per game) is back from the injured list. G...

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Midwest • Elite Eight » No. 1 Louisville vs. No. 2 Michigan State

Midwest Region » No. 1 Louisville vs. No. 2 Michigan State • 2:20 p.m. • CBS How they got here No team can match the credentials of Louisville (31-5), regular season and tournament champion in the powerful Big East. The Cardinals have had it easy in the tournament running past No. 16 Morehead State, 74-54, subduing No. 9 Sienna, 79-72, and overwhelming No. 12 Arizona, 103-64. Michigan State (29-6) earned a No. 2 seed by running away with the Big Ten. The Spartans have taken a tougher path to the region final, defeating No. 15 Robert Morris, 77-62, No. 10 USC, 74-69, and rallying past defending NCAA champion Kansas, 67-62. Why Louisville will win Because Indianapolis is...

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South • Elite Eight » No. 1 UNC vs. No. 2 Oklahoma

South Region » No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 2 Oklahoma • 5:05 p.m. • CBS How they got here North Carolina (31-4) earned a No. 1 seed by winning the ACC regular season and going 17-0 against non-conference foes. The Tar Heels have been equally dominant in the tournament, defeating No. 16 Radford, 101-58, No. 8 LSU, 84-70, and No. 4 Gonzaga, 98-77. Oklahoma (30-5) started 25-1 and reached a No. 2 rank, before losing four of six when star Blake Griffin suffered a concussion. The Sooners have rebounded, however, with wins over No. 15 Morgan State, 82-54, No. 7 Michigan, 73-63, and No. 3 Syracuse, 84-71. Why North Carolina will win Because coaches Roy Williams (Carolina) and...

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Lacrosse » Virginia-Maryland is history, in seven OTs

There was a lot at stake Saturday when No. 9 Maryland took on No. 1 Virginia. Little did the teams know, they would make history. In the longest game ever in Division I men’s lacrosse, Virginia defeated Maryland, 10-9, in the seventh overtime on a goal by Brian Carroll. The junior midfielder scored one minute into the seventh extra session, after 85 minutes of action, including 25 of sudden-death. Before Saturday the longest game in Division I was a six-overtime affair in 2001 between Navy and North Carolina. That one lasted 83, minutes, 39 seconds. On a misty, chilly day before 5,019 at Klockner Stadium in Charlottesville, both teams had chances to put it away. In the first...

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South • Sweet 16 » No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 4 Gonzaga

South • Sweet 16 » No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 4 Gonzaga, 9:57, CBS NORTH CAROLINA GONZAGA Ol’ Roy Williams is a slick recruiter, but his sideline skills have been exposed in past. Coaching X Mark Few always demands defense, and this might be the best defensive squad he’s had. Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson are an NBA backcourt. But they can run hot and cold. X Guards Good PG matchup in Ty Lawson and Jeremy...

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South • Sweet 16 » No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Syracuse

South • Sweet 16 » No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Syracuse, Friday, 7:27 p.m., CBS OKLAHOMA SYRACUSE The Krzyzewski coaching tree has yielded some bad fruit. Questions remain about Jeff Capel, 34. Coaching X At age 64, Jim Boeheim has 30 years and one national championship on Capel. Freshman Willie Warren will be the best guard on floor, but his mates are a liability. Guards X PG Jonny Flynn delivers to reliable wings and is...

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College Lacrosse Capsules

Navy at Georgetown Where » Multi-Sport Field When » Saturday, 1 TV » MASN Radio » 1500 AM, 820 AM, 1050 AM, 1430 AM The Hoyas (3-4) have won five in a row against the Midshipmen (6-3) — the last two games by one-goal margins. Georgetown leading scorer Ricky Mirabito’s (15 goals, 5 assist) brother Nick graduated from Navy last year and led the Mids with 23 goals and 23 assists. Maryland at Virginia When » Saturday, noon Where » Klockner Stadium TV » ESPN2 Virginia (10-0) is shooting for its second perfect season in four years behind senior As Dan Glading (14 goals, 18 assists), Garrett Billings (26 goals, 14 assists), and Steele...

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At Bay Hill, Woods jars memories

Last year’s winning putt at Invitational resonates If you watch the Golf Channel this week, you might see Tiger Woods’ winning putt last year at Bay Hill, oh, about 47,000 times. And why not? It was vintage Tiger, a curling, clutch 24-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole that gave him a one-stroke victory over Bart Bryant. It was Woods’ fifth-straight PGA Tour win and his fifth career victory at Bay Hill. Those facts have long since been forgotten. But the indelible images remain — Woods crouched and backpedaling, spiking his black cap to the turf, a quick, double-fisted uppercut to the crowd, followed by an embrace with the other King, Arnold Palmer. This week,...

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Golf » Five to watch

Vijay Singh You think Vijay likes Bay Hill? How about this for a resume — T2 (2005), 7 (2006), 1 (2007), T3 (2008). Course favors long hitters. Vijay qualifies there. Perfect place to jumpstart his campaign coming off knee surgery. Retief Goosen Twenty fewer pounds, a new fitness regimen and the return of his syrupy putting stroke has the two-time U.S. Open winner back in the top 25. Win last week at the Transitions was his first in U.S. since 2005. Davis Love III After playing in 70 straight majors, Love’s streak ended last year when he failed to qualify for the Masters. But the 44-year-old can get back to Augusta with a top-50 rank. Currently No. 47. Has never won at Bay...

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Will he or won’t he?

On his comeback, only Arenas knows for sure The long, lost features of a Wizards practice were in place Tuesday — cameras, microphones, TV reporters, bloggers, a buzz. In short, all the elements Gilbert Arenas needed to be Greta Garbo. Leaving Verizon Center without a word, Arenas extended the suspense over his imminent return from October knee surgery. Ah, the elusive Agent Zero is back. The Wizards guard has been practicing on and off since the All-Star break. But when he fired off a text message to Comcast’s Chris Miller on Monday, revealing his intention to come back Saturday against the Detroit Pistons, the Washington press was mobilized. Can it really be...

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Wizards take Bulls to buzzer

Washington rallies late, but can’t catch Chicago The Chicago Bulls are fighting to hold the eighth and final playoff slot in the Eastern Conference. For the Washington Wizards the fight was called long ago. Monday night at Verizon Center, however, the depleted Wizards made the Bulls earn a 101-99 victory, battling to the end before an announced crowd of 15,421. Led by guards Ben Gordon (20 points), John Salmons (19 points), and Derrick Rose (12 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds), the Bulls were too young and too quick in the second half. Up next » Bobcats @ Wizards When » Wednesday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN/980 AM This is one of two games...

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Wizards » Report Card

Most Valuable Player After failing to score in the first half, Bulls guard Ben Gordon had 14 points in the third quarter as Chicago turned a 10-point deficit into a 10-point lead. Gordon added three clutch jumpers in the final four minutes. Instant offense Acquired in a trading deadline deal with Sacramento, John Salmons (19 points, 4 assists) has been a find for the Bulls. The wing guard made key plays in a 14-0 third-quarter run with a dunk and a steal and feed to Joakim Noah for a breakaway slam. Driving ambition Wizards reserve guard Javaris Crittenton sparked a fourth-quarter rally, scoring on four straight Washington possessions, all on drives to the hoop. He finished with a...

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TIPOFF » TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2009

HE SAID WHAT? “I don’t think because we finally won a game against the East that we got comfortable.” – Sacramento’s Jason Thompson on the Kings’ 112-100 loss at Philadelphia Sunday, coming after their win over the Knicks Friday, their only win in 30 games against the East this season. PLAYER OF THE WEEK Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets Since Devin Harris went out with a shoulder injury five games ago, Carter has picked up the scoring load in the Nets backcourt, averaging 28.8 points, 4.8 assists and 6.8 rebounds as the Nets (30-40) have stayed alive for the final playoff slot in the Eastern Conference. During that time, Carter has hit 50 percent of...

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Ping-pong balls and dubious records

It was the most brutal road trip of the season — four Western Conference cities in five days — and the Wizards showed the effects, losing all four games decisively. UP NEXT Bulls at Wizards When » Monday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV » Comcast SportsNet Radio » 980 AM » The Wizards next four games are against teams vying for playoff slots in the Eastern Conference. Washington plays eighth-place Chicago (32-38), followed by ninth-place Charlotte (31-39) on Wednesday, seventh-place Detroit (34-35) on Saturday, and at 12th place Indiana (29-42) on Sunday. Perhaps the best thing left for Washington (16-55), is that none of its final 11...

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Lucky Maryland goal leaves Carolina blue

On Senior Day, Groot scores on deflection for Terps’ 8-7 win In its five-year losing streak in the Atlantic Coast Conference, North Carolina has been riddled by bad luck. But nothing compares to what happened to the Tar Heels Saturday at Maryland. When Terrapins’ midfielder Dan Groot shot from close range in a tie game in the fourth period, a defender knocked the ball out of Groot’s stick and it deflected high above the crease. One of the last to locate it was Carolina defender Ryan Flanagan, who watched helplessly as the ball bounced off his stick and into the cage, past goalie Grant Zimmerman. The goal gave Maryland an 8-7 win and handed Carolina the most galling of...

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Many tourney coaches have local ties

The metro area is not only a hot bed for basketball playing talent, but coaching talent as well. Nineteen head and assistant coaches that made it to this year’s Big Dance have area ties. Brad Greenberg (Radford) The Radford head coach, the older brother of Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg, led Radford to the Big South title. Greenberg played at American (1974-77) and began his coaching career there. He also served as a consultant with the Washington Wizards (Bullets). Oliver Purnell (Clemson) The Tigers head coach hails from Berlin, Md. The former standout player at Old Dominion was an assistant at Maryland (1985-88) under Lefty Driesell and Bob Wade. He also served as head...

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Saturday's NCAA Tournament Preview

No. 4 Washington vs. No. 5 Purdue Firecracker Can’t ask for a better second-round matchup. Both teams took care of business in their opener. Purdue (26-9), the Big 10 tournament champ, took control early against Northern Iowa and held off a late charge. Washington, (26-8) the Pac-10 regular-season champ, overwhelmed Mississippi State in the second half. Why Washington will win Huskies finished first in the Pac-10 for a reason: Led by 6-foot-7 forward Jon Brockman, only four teams in the country rebound better. Guard Isaiah Thomas was the Pac-10 freshman of the year. The Huskies also should get a boost from a partisan crowd in Portland. How Purdue pulls an upset Not really an...

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Fearless forecast » NCAA Tournament

Games to watch Midwest Region » No. 11 Dayton vs. No. 6 West Virginia, 3 p.m. The Mountaineers (23-11) could be a dark horse in the stacked Midwest Region. F Da’Sean Butler (17.3 ppg) leads the way. West Virginia is an excellent defensive team (42 percent FG allowed), but poor from 3-point range (33 percent). Dayton can defend as well (43 percent) and has wins over Marquette and Xavier. Midwest Region » No. 10 USC vs. No. 7 Boston College, 7:20 p.m. USC (21-12) needed a late run through the Pac-10 tournament to secure an NCAA berth. F Taj Gibson (14.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg) earned the conference’s defensive player of the year honors. The Trojans will need to defend Boston...

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Terps must stop threes

Cal bombers pose a huge threat in NCAA opener With a 13-2 record in opening-round games in the NCAA tournament, coach Gary Williams would seem to be the best thing the No. 10 Maryland Terrapins have going for them Thursday against No. 7 California. But when Williams, 64, looks down to the sideline in Kansas City to the bench of the Golden Bears, he’ll see a coach with similar credentials. Mike Montgomery, 62, has a 10-2 record in first-round NCAA games, all at Stanford, where he was coach from 1986-2004. So don’t look to the coaches for an edge in their West Region tournament game. Look at the players. The California (22-10) players that Maryland (20-13) will be most...

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NCAA Tournament » Fearless Forecast

BOLD PREDICTIONS 1 Carr won’t be the only reason American is a tough out After scoring a game-high 26 points last year versus Tennessee, Garrison Carr is item No. 1 on Villanova’s game plan for American. Except that as Carr has gained more attention this season, his teammates have begun to rise to the occasion to step in when he can’t open to knock down shots. Against the Wildcats, Brian Gilmore will have one of the biggest games of his career, and Jordan Nichols will make a key block on Corey Fisher down the stretch to keep the Eagles in the contest. Again, we’re not calling for the upset. But we have a feeling it could happen. 2 Connecticut won’t make...

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Klauk was anointed by Woodmore

2008 Melwood winner is thriving on PGA Tour Birdies are plentiful on the Nationwide Tour. But when Jeff Klauk won the Melwood Prince George’s County Open last May, he did it on one of the tour’s toughest courses, the Country Club at Woodmore. The victory not only catapulted Klauk to the PGA Tour, it elevated his game. Ten months later, Klauk is proving he belongs. In making seven cuts in his first eight starts, Klauk has earned $544,265, the top figure among the 25 graduates of the 2008 Nationwide Tour. “I’m not here just for a year and that’s it and go back to the Nationwide,” said Klauk, 31. “This is where I want to be, and contend and win...

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Golf » Five to watch

Jim Furyk Third-place last week at Doral indicates he’s ready to end his title drought (20 months without a win). Copperhead is a good course for grinder Furyk. Maybe it’s time to dump “Fluff.” Worked for Tiger. Sean O’Hair Defending champion at Copperhead. At age 26 is on the short list of players in their 20s who have won multiple PGA Tour titles. Long hitter has been in the top 25 in all six of his starts this season. Adam Scott In a lackluster field, why not pick a guy with at least a little charisma? Ranks No. 117 in scoring average. That has to change soon. At age 28, Australian has six PGA Tour and eight international titles. Steve Stricker Emerged...

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Vasquez, Terps look to advance

Maryland faces California Thursday in NCAA opener Maryland vs. Cal When » Thursday, 3 Where » Kansas City Stakes » NCAA opening round » Winner faces No. 2 Memphis (31-3) or No. 15 Cal St. Northridge (17-13) Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez made the ultimate sacrifice — he stopped talking. It wasn’t easy for the Terrapins foremost chatterbox. But when Vasquez’s father and others from his native Venezuela called after a late season loss to Wake Forest, Vasquez had heard enough. “They said, ‘You’re eliminated. You’re eliminated,’” said Vasquez. “I said, just don’t call me no more. Just...

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Different paths, same destination

Neal and Johnson reach NCAA tournament Dave Neal was patient. Brian Johnson was not. That led the former teammates at Bishop O'Connell High in Falls Church to take widely divergent paths that cross in the NCAA tournament. Neal, a senior forward at Maryland, and Johnson, a senior forward at Mississippi State will play this week in the NCAA West Regional. While Neal graduated from O'Connell, elected to play close to home at Maryland, and waited four years for his chance to start, Johnson bounced around, searching for a hoop Nirvana. In high school he transferred to national powerhouse Oak Hill for his senior year, then went to Louisville for two unsatisfying seasons on the Cardinals'...

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NCAA Tournament » Local Players

Ty Lawson (UNC) The Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year averaged 15.9 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.0 steals per game for the Tar Heels, improving his shooting percentages to 53.8 from the floor and 46.7 from 3-point range. Lawson played at McNamara before transferring to Oak Hill. Mike Davis (Illinois) After averaging 2.6 points per game as a freshman, the 6-9 Davis blossomed this season, becoming the leading rebounder in the Big Ten (8.1 rpg) and the second-leading scorer for the Illini (11.2 ppg). The former Northern Region Player of the Year at T.C. Williams was named second-team All-Big Ten. Joey Lynch-Flohr (Radford) The 6-8 junior averaged 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and hit...

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Maryland, Cal have lots in common

Perimeter offenses to clash Thursday in Kansas City With look-alike teams from either coast meeting in Kansas City on Thursday, there’s a bit of symmetry in Maryland’s NCAA opener against California. The similarities are unavoidable. Both had their ups and downs in power conferences. Both looked better suited at times for the NIT. Both have veteran coaches who have been to the Final Four. And both have perimeter offenses, fueled by emotional, shoot-first point guards. The similarities will end Thursday when either No. 7 California (22-10) or No. 10 Maryland (20-13) advances. The winner will play No. 2 Memphis (31-3) or No. 15 Cal State Northridge (17-13),...

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Start your brackets

As a working mom with 9-year-old triplets, Arlington’s Kay Tiernan has no time to watch college basketball. Even if she did, she wouldn’t. She’s not a sports fan. But every March she enthusiastically fills out her office pool and follows college basketball, her interest growing if her teams are progressing. Tiernan, a project manager at a major telecommunications company, gives strong consideration to schools from her native Iowa, then fills the rest of her brackets with the traditional powers she knows — Duke, Carolina, Kansas, UCLA. Tiernan is not alone. With the FBI estimating that $2.5 billion will be wagered on the NCAA this year — and only 3 percent...

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Lacrosse » UMBC brings down Maryland

Retrievers defense key in 9-7 victory in College Park Dwarfed by huge Maryland attackmen Will Yeatman (6-6, 265) and Grant Catalino (6-5, 240), tiny UMBC goalie Jeremy Blevins (5-8, 135) symbolized the Retrievers’ struggle against their larger in-state rival Saturday. Up next » Bryant at Maryland When » Sunday, 1 Where » Ludwig Field This is the first time the teams have met. In its first year in Division I, Bryant (4-3) has lost to ranked teams Virginia, Loyola and Army. This will be the first time Maryland has played games on back-to-back days since beating Air Force and Denver in the 2001 Denver Pioneer Face-Off Classic. Bryant is led by former Duke coach...

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Wizards go young, fall to Magic, 112-103

Orlando overcomes Jamison’s season-high 36 points Wizards rookie JaVale McGee deposited a rim-rocking dunk follow early in the fourth quarter and a surge rolled through the Verizon Center crowd of 18,152 as they realized Washington had cut the lead of Orlando to two, and had done it with five players age 23 or younger on the floor. Up next » Kings at Wizards When » Sunday, 6 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN/980 AM The Lottery Bowl. Sacramento (14-50) is the only team in the NBA with a worse record than Washington (15-51). The team that finishes with the worst mark will get the most ping pong balls in the lottery draw for the first pick in the NBA...

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College Lacrosse Capsules

No. 9 UMBC at No. 7 Maryland When » Saturday, noon Maryland leads series 24-6, but has lost last two meetings, 9-8 in 3OT in 2008 and 13-9 in the 2007 NCAA Tournament. UMBC (3-2) has lost to Princeton, 6-5, and Johns Hopkins, 14-11. Top scorers are midfielders Alex Hoppmann (13 goals), Kyle Wilmer (12 goals), and Peet Poillon (6 goals, 13 assists). No. 12 Georgetown at Hobart When » Saturday, 1 p.m. For the third time in four games, Georgetown will face a goalie that is among the top ten in the nation in both save percentage and goals against. Hobart junior Max Silberlicht leads Division I in both, stopping 70.3 percent shots faced and allowing just 4.75 goals per...

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Transition game for Greer

Ex-Duke star helps old coach move to Division I This spring, Bryant University has stepped up from Division II to Division I lacrosse. Helping ease the transition is three-time Division I All-America, Zack Greer. After playing four years at Duke and graduating last spring, Greer moved to Bryant for a fifth season of eligibility, granted by the NCAA to players who endured the 2006 Duke rape scandal. Greer and Bryant (4-3) are meeting the challenge head-on. Their first-ever Division I game last month was against No. 1 Virginia. Sunday they take on No. 7 Maryland (4-1) at Ludwig Field in College Park. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Greer said Thursday of his move to...

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Wizards playing a familiar tune

Tapscott will stay the course with his veterans Up next » Magic at Wizards » Orlando (47-17) was expected to slump with the loss of PG Jameer Nelson (shoulder). But the Magic have gone 8-3 since acquiring Rafer Alston. C Dwight Howard (21.0 points per game, 14.0 rpg, 2.99 bpg) leads the NBA in rebounds and blocks. F Hedo Turkoglu (Achilles) is day-to-day. With the Wizards (15-50) going nowhere, maybe you were expecting to see more Javaris Crittenton, JaVale McGee, Nick Young, and Oleksiy Pecherov. Guess again. Judging from interim head coach Ed Tapscott’s words after the Wizards’ 109-98 loss to the Hornets Wednesday night, Washington will stick with its...

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The true Wizard is Paul

Hornets All-Star dazzles Wiz with a triple-double UP NEXT Magic at Wizards When » Friday, 7 p.m. Where » Verizon Center TV » CSN Radio » 980 AM Orlando (46-17) was expected to slump with the loss of All-Star PG Jameer Nelson (shoulder) for the season. But the Magic have thrived with trading deadline acquisition Rafer Alston, going 7-3 since his arrival. Orlando is in third place in the Eastern Conference behind the stellar frontcourt trio of C Dwight Howard (21.0 points per game, 14.0 rpg, 2.99 bpg), who leads the NBA in rebounding and blocks, and F Rashard Lewis (18.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg), and F Hedo Turkoglu (17.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.7 apg). This is always a tough...

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ACC Tourney » Capsules

Who’s Fading? Clemson After starting the year 16-0, the Tigers have gone 7-7 and have lost three of four coming into the tournament, with the lone win at home over doormat Virginia. At 23-7, the Tigers have an NCAA bid wrapped up. The only thing at stake for the Tigers is seeding for the NCAA Tournament. Winning four games in four days is not out of the question however for this athletic squad. Last year Clemson caught fire and advanced to the finals for the first time in 46 years. Who’s Dangerous? Virginia Tech The winner of the Miami-Virginia Tech game will play a North Carolina team that might be ripe for an upset, especially if Tar Heels coach Roy Williams rests point...

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Can Sergio uproot Woods at Doral?

Spaniard can rise to No. 1 this week (in rankings) If Sergio Garcia wins the CA Championship at Doral, he has a chance to unseat No. 1 Tiger Woods in the world golf rankings after 539 weeks. The question this week in South Florida: How can a man with no major championships be ranked above one with 14? When asked about this on Tuesday, Garcia gave a cordial answer with due deference to Woods. When Woods faced the press Wednesday, no one brought up the issue, because they already knew the answer: Woods doesn’t care. Here’s what matters to him — major championships. So instead on Wednesday, Woods fielded questions about the Masters, even though the tournament is four...

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Golf » Five to watch

Sergio Garcia Latin heartthrobs El Nino and Camilo Villegas will attract attention in South Florida. Garcia is No. 1 in scoring average (68.25) and greens in regulation, but 131st in putting. Has four top five finishes in this tournament. Geoff Ogilvy Right now, the real No. 1 in the world? Has won three of 10 WGC events, is the only player with two wins this year, and the current leader in FedEx Cup points. In addition, he’s the defending champion at Doral. Phil Mickelson After a poor start to 2009, prevailed at Riviera three weeks ago. Has never claimed this tournament. In the nine years of the CA Championship, however, only major winners have won. So Lefty’s got that...

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Wizards » Opportunity has knocked, some have answered

Running the gamut from McGuire to Young Because of a rash of injuries, opportunity has knocked for six Washington Wizards, age 23 and younger. Some have seized it better than others. Here’s a rundown: Up next » Hornets at Wizards When » Wednesday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV » CSN Radio » 980 AM New Orleans (39-24) is in sixth place in the Western Conference behind the play of All-Stars Chris Paul (21.4 points per game, 11.1 apg) and David West (20.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg). C Tyson Chandler is back from a foot ailment. Dominic McGuire (seized it) Drafted No. 47 in 2007, the Wizards thought they had a player who might make the roster and find a limited...

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TIPOFF » WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

HE SAID WHAT? “Why can’t I be injured and rehab and do what I have to do and go about my business? … Sometimes [Portland] seems so small it feels like high school. Everybody knows everybody.” – Oft-injured Blazers center Greg Oden on his struggles this year. PLAYER OF THE WEEK Troy Murphy • Indiana Pacers The 6-11 forward is quietly doing a left-handed impersonation of Dirk Nowitzki, ranking No. 3 in the NBA in total rebounds (713) and No. 8 in 3-pointers (130). Murphy has helped keep the Pacers in contention for a playoff berth despite the loss of Mike Dunleavy (knee) and All-Star Danny Granger (foot). Last week, Murphy averaged 19.5 points and 14....

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CAA Tourney » Déjà vu all over again for Mason

Maynor, Sanders propel VCU into NCAA tourney RICHMOND – All season, whenever the name Eric Maynor entered the conversation, George Mason coach Jim Larranaga shuddered and changed the subject. It was part schtick from the affable coach, part genuine anxiety. Monday night, in the Colonial Athletic Association championship game, however, there was another Ram to fear. With Larry Sanders dominating the lane and Maynor doing the rest, Virginia Commonwealth rolled to a 71-50 victory before 11,200 at Richmond Coliseum. Hello again Monday night’s CAA title game marked the fifth time in six seasons that either VCU or GMU played for the conference’s automatic bid: Year...

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Wizards owner Pollin honored in ceremony at alma mater

When Wizards owner Abe Pollin was first shown the piece of property where he would build Verizon Center, he was told to stay in the car. Walking the streets above the Gallery Place Metro was too dangerous. Abe Pollin timeline 1945 » Graduated from GW. 1964 » Bought Baltimore Bullets for $1 million 1973 » Moved Bullets to D.C. 1973 » Opened Capital Centre 1974 » Awarded an NHL franchise, the Washington Capitals 1979 » Took Bullets to China 1996 » Renamed team Wizards 1997 » Verizon Center opened But 15 years later, those streets are bustling with people who live, work, and are anxious to visit the neighborhood. Pollin’s ambitious...

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GMU takes the Long way

Guard’s huge 3-pointers repel Towson’s upset bid CAA FINAL » George Mason vs. VCU Where » Richmond Coliseum When » Monday, 7 TV » ESPN Radio » 570 AM VCU (23-9) defeated Mason (22-9) in their lone meeting, 76-71, in Richmond behind G Eric Maynor (28 points, 6 assists). This time he’ll have to deal with GMU defensive stopper John Vaughan, who missed the Jan. 24 game with a concussion. The Rams topped the Patriots 55-54 in the 2004 CAA final and 65-59 in the 2007 title game behind Maynor. GMU has won four CAA titles. VCU has won three. RICHMOND – George Mason knows Cinderella. So there was no mistaking the identity of 11th seeded...

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Galloway comes up with all the answers for Syracuse

Sophomore goalie makes 19 saves to frustrate Georgetown, 8-5 Taking over in goal as a freshman for a program as rich in lacrosse history as Syracuse was a daunting task for John Galloway. Doing it in his hometown, just added to the pressure. But after a rough indoctrination, Galloway rewarded the trust of coach John Desko, helping the Orange to the 2008 national championship. Up next » Georgetown at Delaware When » Wednesday, 7 Delaware (2-3) has lost to quality teams Albany, Fairfield, and UMBC. The Blue Hens get the bulk of their offense from juniors Curtis Dickson (14 goals) and Pat Lombard (12 goals), and senior Josh Coveleski (7 goals, 4 assists). Georgetown will be...

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Who’s who in the CAA

Handicapping the field in the 12-team tourney The Colonial Athletic Association Tournament begins Friday afternoon. Sorting out the field in the balanced, 12-team conference is not easy. But here’s an attempt to identify who’s who and what’s what. CAA Tournament All games at Richmond Coliseum Friday No. 8 Georgia State (11-19) vs. No. 9 Delaware (13-18), noon No. 5 Hofstra (20-10) vs. No. 12 UNC Wilmington (7-24), 2:30 No. 7 James Madison (18-13) vs. No. 10 William & Mary (10-19), 6 No. 6 Drexel (15-13) vs. No. 11 Towson (10-21), 8:30 Saturday No. 1 Virginia Commonwealth (21-9) vs. Georgia St./Delaware winner, noon No. 4 Old Dominion (20-9) vs. Hofstra/UNC...

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CAA Tourney » Mason positioned well for tourney

Patriots have brackets, history on their side George Mason coach Jim Larranaga won’t admit it publicly. But he has to like how the brackets shook out for the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament. Mason is the No. 2 seed, which means it won’t have to deal with regular-season champ, Virginia Commonwealth, playing in its home city, or the hottest team in the conference, Old Dominion, until the finals. Taking anything for granted in this balanced conference, however, is risky business. That point was brought home this year when the CAA’s bottom two teams, UNC Wilmington and William & Mary, upset the top two, VCU and Northeastern, respectively. So it is with...

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College Basketball » Capsules

Maryland at Virginia Where » John Paul Jones Arena When » Saturday, 3:30 p.m. TV/Radio » ABC/106.7 FM Much is at stake as the Terps (18-11, 7-8) can finish .500 in the ACC. Virginia (9-17, 3-12) beat Clemson and Virginia Tech in back-to-back games, Feb. 15 and 18, but has dropped four games since. The top threat is freshman G Sylven Landesberg (17.4 points per game, 6.0 rpg), who has been named ACC Freshman of the Week six times. Sophomore F Mike Scott is the top rebounder (7.1 pg). DePaul at Georgetown Where » Verizon Center When » Saturday, 5 p.m. TV/Radio » ESPNU/980 AM, 92.7 FM, 94.3 FM There is little left to prove for the Hoyas (15-13, 6-11 Big...

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Bearing down at the Honda

Players must be careful when negotiating the Bear Trap at PGA National One of the top stories this week at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has nothing to do with this tournament. It’s the swirl concerning Tiger Woods’ appearance next week at nearby Doral. Will he or won’t he? Woods has until 5 p.m. Friday to commit. Honda Classic When » Thursday-Sunday Where » Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Course » PGA National Resort and Spa, Champion Course (7,241 yards, par 70) Purse » $5.6 million Winner’s share » $1,008,000 TV » Golf Channel (Thursday, 3-6 p.m., 8:30-11:30 p.m.; Friday, 12:30-3:30 a.m., 3-6 p.m., 8:30-11:30...

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Maryland has a sizable problem with Wake

Demon Deacons too big, too good on Senior Night, 65-63 Wake Forest doesn’t move the Comcast Center crowd like a Duke or a North Carolina. No outrageous signage. No orchestrated mayhem. No X-rated chants. But this year, Wake Forest is as good as its perennial powerhouse neighbors from the Tar Heel state. Maybe better. Up next » Maryland at Virginia When » Saturday, 3:30 Where » John Paul Jones Arena TV/Radio » ABC/106.7 FM » Virginia (9-17, 3-12) is one of just two teams in the ACC with a losing record. The Cavaliers’ beat Clemson and Virginia Tech in back-to-back games, Feb. 15 and 18, but have dropped four games since. The top threat is...

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Wizards » More PT to come for McGee?

Wizards rookie played a season-high 32 minutes Monday against Atlanta Up next » Wizards at Thunder When » Wednesday, 8 p.m. » Oklahoma City (15-45) could be without its top two scorers, Washington-area products Kevin Durant (ankle) and Jeff Green (back), leaving the Thunder offense in the hands of rookie G Russell Westbrook (15.8 points per game, 5.2 apg). In JaVale McGee’s career-high 32 minutes Monday night — a loss to the Atlanta Hawks — everything was on display that the Wizards love and hate about their 7-foot rookie center. There was a wraparound dunk in transition that few NBA players could have even conceptualized. There was a blocked shot...

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Tired Hawks have enough against Butler-less Wizards

Atlanta doesn’t get much sleep, but still gets Washington, 98-89 On a Monday night, after a snowstorm, against a starless opponent, the last-place Washington Wizards discovered who their most loyal fans are. Up next » Wizards at Thunder When » Wednesday, 8 Where » Ford Center TV/Radio » CSN/980 AM Oklahoma City (14-45) could be without its top two scorers, Washington-area products Kevin Durant (ankle) and Jeff Green (back), leaving the Thunder offense in the hands of rookie G Russell Westbrook (15.8 points per game, 5.0 apg). After a rough start, the Thunder has shown signs of improvement behind its trio of young lottery picks. But with Caron Butler out...

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Tipoff » Tuesday, March 3, 2009

HE SAID WHAT? “Anybody could wear a head band if you had the guts to go into his office and ask. Jermaine asked and we’re progressive now.” – Miami coach Erik Spoelstra on Jermaine O’Neal’s appeal to Pat Riley to wear his signature head band. PLAYER OF THE WEEK Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat Angered by a no-call elbow that gave him a bloody lip, Wade scored 24 of his 46 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Heat from 16 points down in a spectacular rally against the Knicks Saturday. Wade’s binge tied his own franchise record for points in a quarter and moved him past LeBron James for the NBA scoring lead (29.0 points per game). The performance capped...

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Wizards’ center Songaila efforts the situation

But few teammates are following his lead Up next » Hawks at Wizards » Washington is 0-12 against Southeast Division foes. This is one of four games left, all at home, against teams from the Southeast. No team in NBA history has gone winless in division play for a season. There was a poignant moment in the Wizards’ otherwise forgettable 109-93 loss Saturday at Milwaukee. Darius Songaila won a scramble in the lane, gained possession, and, from his backside, passed to Caron Butler for a layup. It was a good hustle play, but seemed extraordinary because it was so rare from the visitors. Washington was beaten in all the hustle categories by an injury-riddled Milwaukee...

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A Face-Off Classic indeed

Reynolds’ sudden strikes fuel Maryland past Duke BALTIMORE - It took defensive-minded Duke more than a quarter to dig out of a hole against Maryland Saturday. It took Terrapins midfielder Jeff Reynolds 12 seconds to push the Blue Devils back in. Up next » Maryland at Towson When » Saturday, 2 Where » Johnny Unitas Stadium TV/Radio » ESPNU Series » Maryland leads, 25-5 Maryland has beaten Towson (1-1) seven straight. The Tigers, however, have won both times the teams have met in the NCAA Tournament. Towson defeated Air Force Saturday despite losing the battle of shots, 42-35, and ground balls, 42-26. Top threats are senior A Bill McCutcheon (6...

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Wizards » Yes they did

Energized by Obama, Wizards roll past Bulls, 113-90 The Washington Wizards might consider a house-warming gift for one of the District’s newest residents — season tickets. With President Barack Obama seated in the front row Friday night at Verizon Center, the Wizards had one of their most inspired efforts in this disappointing season, defeating the Chicago Bulls, 113-90, before a crowd of 18,114. Up next » Wizards at Bucks When » Saturday, 8:30 Where » Bradley Center TV/Radio » CSN/980 AM Milwaukee (28-33) is in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. But with Michael Redd (knee) and C Andrew Bogut (back) out for extended time, its hold on the...

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Obama on hand tonight? Maybe

President could make visit to Verizon for Wiz-Bulls McGee and Young fined » Wizards JaVale McGee and Nick Young were fined $250 each for reckless driving Thursday in Fairfax County General District Court. » McGee and Young were pulled over on Jan. 1 on the Dulles Access Road. They were on their way to the airport to catch a flight for their game at Boston on Jan. 2. You think the most powerful man in the free world can get good seats at Verizon Center? Yes he can. But will he? On Thursday afternoon, President Barack Obama hosted his hometown Chicago Bulls for a tour of the White House and a brief reception in the Blue Room, fueling speculation that Obama will be in the...

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Birdie binge sinks Woods

Clark defeats Tiger in second round of play Leaderboard Bobby Jones bracket 8. Tim Clark def. 1. Tiger Woods, 4-and-2 2. Geoff Ogilvy def. 10. Shingo Katayama, 19 holes 3. Camilo Villegas def. 6. Miguel Jimenez, 5-and-4 4. Rory McIlroy def. 12. Hunter Mahan, 1-up Ben Hogan bracket 9. Luke Donald def. 1. Vijay Singh, 19 holes 2. Phil Mickelson def. 7. Zach Johnson, 1-up 6. Stewart Cink def. 3. Lee Westwood, 23 holes 4. Ernie Els def. 5. Steve Stricker, 3-and-2 Gary Player bracket 6. Paul Casey def. 14. Mathew Goggin, 6-and-4 8. Ian Poulter def. 16. Charl Schwartzel, 1-up 15. Peter Hanson def. 10. Stephen Ames, 2-and-1 12. Sean O’Hair def. 13. Boo Weekley, 2-and-1 Sam Snead...

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Weekend area college basketball outlook

Games for the weekend of Feb. 27-March 1: George Washington at Richmond Where » Robins Center, Richmond • When » Saturday, 7 • Radio » 1500 AM With 25 points from Damian Hollis in an overtime win over Charlotte on Wednesday, the Colonials (9-16, 3-10 Atlantic 10) have won two of their last three but remain one game behind the 49ers with three games left in a battle for 12th place in the A-10 and the last berth the conference tournament. American at Lafayette Where » Kirby Sports Center, Easton, Pa. • When » Saturday, 2 • TV » MASN While the Eagles (20-7, 12-1 Patriot League) sewed up the top seed in the Patriot League Tournament...

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Lacrosse » Four teams have much to prove at Face-Off Classic

In just its third year, the Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic, Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, has come to be known as the unofficial start of the college lacrosse season. Here’s a look at the games. No. 7 Maryland (2-1) vs. No. 12 Duke (2-1) When » 2:30 p.m. Mission » To rebound. Both were ranked in the preseason top 10, but were upset Saturday. While then No. 3 Maryland lost to No. 17 Georgetown, 13-10, then No. 6 Duke fell to unranked Harvard, 9-6. History » Maryland leads the series 53-17, but the Blue Devils have won 12 of the last 18, including the last two by seven and eight goals. What Maryland must do » Make stops and clear. Neither...

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Energized Maryland takes its best shot

But Duke is accurate when it matters most in 78-67 victory at Comcast Fear the trampled turtle. For 35 minutes Wednesday at Comcast Center, that was the message Maryland sent No. 7 Duke. The Terrapins and their raucous fans were fueled by the memory of their worst loss in 46 years, last month in Durham. Up next » Maryland at N.C. State When » Sunday, 7:30 Where » Reynolds Coliseum TV/Radio » FSN/106.7 FM North Carolina State (15-10, 5-7 ACC) needs a hot finish or a long run in the ACC Tournament to capture an NCAA bid. Going into Thursday’s game at Wake Forest, State had won three of four. This is the lone regular season game between Maryland and N,C,...

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Quick opening propels Woods to victory

First round after break is a success for Tiger At 12:14 (MST) Wednesday in the high desert of Arizona, Tiger Woods struck his first shot in competition in eight months. Hitting a 3-wood off the first tee in the Accenture Match Play Championship, Tiger Woods 2.0 was online. Will the surgically improved version be better than ever? In Wednesday’s opening-round victory, 3-and-2, over Brendan Jones of Australia, Woods, playing for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in June, produced some of the vintage magic that has made him a 14-time major championship winner. Round 1 results Bobby Jones bracket 1. Tiger Woods def. 16. Brendan Jones, 3 and 2 2. Geoff Ogilvy def. 15....

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In desert, Woods thirsts for competition

Tiger’s eight-month respite ends today in match play If he maxes out in the Accenture Match Play Championship this week, Tiger Woods will play seven rounds in five days on an undulating course that measures nearly 7,833 yards, a daunting task for a player coming off June knee surgery. Dreamweaver A look at some potential dream matchups at each stage for Tiger: Thursday » Retief Goosen Mr. Charisma of the Tour now has the perfect accessory to complete his dour image — prescription sunglasses. Three-time major winner is playing well. Was third at Pebble Beach. Friday » Mike Weir Punch-and-Judy left-hander would make an interesting contrast to slugger Tiger....

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Finally Tucker is ‘that guy’

Sophomore rewards Maryland’s patience Before Saturday’s game against visiting North Carolina, Maryland coach Gary Williams outlined his formula for success in the locker room. One of the bullets struck a cord with sophomore Cliff Tucker. Up next » Duke at Maryland When » Wednesday, 9 Where » Comcast Center TV/Radio » ESPN/106.7 FM » Duke (22-5, 8-4) blasted Maryland in Durham, 85-44. “Coach wrote on the board that somebody else nobody knows about needs to step up tonight,” said Tucker. “I just had it in my mind the whole night, I wanted to be that guy.” In Maryland’s 88-85 win over the No. 3 Tar Heels, Tucker...

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CAA is a one-bid conference this year

Has the league taken a step back from last year? Coaches in the Colonial Athletic Association sound resigned to landing just one team in the NCAA Tournament. Up next » GMU at UNC-Wilmington When » Wednesday, 7 Where » Trask Coliseum TV/Radio » MASN/1260 AM » The Seahawks (7-22, 3-13) beat Elon, 75-72, in an ESPN BracketBuster game Saturday as junior G Montez Downey (26 points) scored a career high off the bench. Up-tempo UNCW is led by sophomore G Chad Tomko (15.8 ppg, 4.6 apg) and junior G Johnny Wolf (14.1 ppg). Mason blasted UNCW, 101-60, on Jan. 3. While an 8-4 record last weekend in ESPN BracketBuster games strengthened the CAA’s case, two of...

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Shuler rises for Georgetown lax

In 13-10 win at Maryland, sophomore notches hat trick in 1st college start As a freshman last year at Georgetown, Ryan Shuler was buried on the bench behind a talented attack line. At times, the only way Hoyas coach Dave Urick could get him on the field was to play him in the defensive midfield. But Saturday at Maryland, Shuler was back where he belonged. Scoring a hat trick in his first college start, Shuler helped No. 8 Georgetown to a 13-10 victory over No. 3 Maryland before 2,530 at Ludwig Field. Notes » In his first start, Georgetown goalie Jack Davis had seven saves. » Junior attack Ricky Mirabito (3 goals, 1 assist) had two goals in the 6-0 run, which was finished...

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Woods anxious for return to the links

Golf superstar says he could have returned earlier than next week Tiger Woods said Friday that he was ready to come back from June knee surgery earlier this year, but delayed his return because of the birth of his son. Woods comments, by teleconference Friday, are a clear indication that the golf icon believes that his repaired anterior cruciate ligament is fully healed. He will play next week in the Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson, Ariz. “More than anything, it was making sure the family was all good,” said Woods, 33. “After that was taken care of, then I could start focusing on playing again. I wouldn’t have played if our baby was delayed or if...

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Can GMU bust loose on road?

Mason at Creighton in ESPN BracketBusters By Kevin Dunleavy It started harmlessly enough, a clever promotional vehicle of sports giant ESPN. Six years later, it’s the beast that ate the mid-majors. It’s the ESPN BracketBusters, a weekend extravaganza that began in 2003 with 18 teams, but now has swelled to 102, a monument to mid-major excess. Up next » GMU at Creighton When » Saturday, 9:30 Where » Qwest Center, Omaha, Neb. TV/Radio » ESPNU/1260 AM » The Jays have won seven straight behind senior G Booker Woodfox (15.9 points per game), sophomore G P’Allen Stinnett (12.7 ppg), and sophomore C Kenny Lawson Jr. (8.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.6...

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Maryland breaks the mold for attack

A generation ago, lacrosse players as large as Will Yeatman and Grant Catalino would have been pigeonholed. They would have been issued long sticks and relegated to defense. But this is 2009. The sport has evolved. Yeatman (6-6, 260) and Catalino (6-5, 240) start at attack for Maryland. A new day has dawned. Yes they can. Yeatman and Catalino are not just a sideshow curiosity. They’re a major reason Maryland is ranked No. 3 (Nike/Inside Lacrosse). Up next » No. 9 Georgetown (0-0) at No. 3 Maryland (2-0) When » Saturday, 1 Where » Ludwig Field, College Park TV » ESPNU Series » Maryland leads, 7-1 » Georgetown junior goalie Jack Davis will make...

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Monroe’s put-back delivers Mason over Drexel, 49-48

All you need to know about the style of the Drexel Dragons is embodied in the name of their coach – Bruiser Flint. So in preparation for his team’s grudge match with George Mason, Flint showed his team some game tape. Actually it was film of a fight – “The Thrilla in Manila,” the famed boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Wednesday night at the Patriot Center, almost as many blows were thrown. The last haymaker that connected – a put-back by Mason center Darryl Monroe with seven seconds left that gave the Patriots a 49-48 victory. After Monroe (15 points, 9 rebounds) scored seven points in the final 4:35, he joined John Vaughan (7 points,...

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Wizards » Must be the shoes

Crittenton has a lot to learn, but he’s starting to get the point Leaning on a railing on a catwalk above the practice floor at the Verizon Center Monday, Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott lectured Javaris Crittenton on proper basketball footwear and foot care. “You’ve got to tape those ankles, if you’re going to wear those low-tops,” said Tapscott. Up next » Wizards at Nets When » Friday, 8 Where » Izod Center TV/Radio » CSN/980 AM After a solid start, New Jersey (24-30) has lost 11 of its last 16, but many of the defeats came with starting Fs Jianlian Yi and F Bobby Simmons out of the lineup. Both were back for the Nets’...

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Is Ishikawa a crouching Tiger?

Young Japanese star, 17, makes PGA Tour debut Is there any doubt about the ambition of Japanese golf prodigy Ryo Ishikawa? Last month when he opened a practice facility five minutes from his home in the suburbs of Tokyo, it was not only seeded with the same bentgrass used at Augusta National, the bunkers were filled with the same type of sand. Five to watch Mike Weir The Canadian left-hander won in Los Angeles in 2003 and 2004. In addition, he’s hot, having finished in the top three at this year’s two previous California tour stops. Due for a big year? Charley Hoffman Four top 20s in four starts indicate Hoffman is ready to win. Will have a high Q-rating in LA with his...

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Crittenton lightens Butler’s load

Second-year guard leads late rally in win over Minnesota Wizards forward Caron Butler described in no uncertain terms Monday what he expected in the second half of the season. The two-time All-Star said his younger teammates must finally produce. One night later, guard Javaris Crittenton heeded Butler’s call, scoring three big baskets down the stretch and making the key assist as the Wizards rallied from six points down in the final four minutes to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 111-103, before 11,623 at Verizon Center. Report card MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Wizards forward Antawn Jamison (29 points, 11 rebounds) hit 10 of 17 shots from the floor. The best sign for Washington,...

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Can local teams handle stretch run?

With March Madness one month away, schedules aren't forgiving for area college programs Georgetown at South Florida, tonight, 7 (MASN/980 AM, 92.7 FM, 94.3 FM) vs. No. 10 Marquette, Sat. vs. No. 7 Louisville, 2/23 at No. 12 Villanova, 2/28 at St. John's, 3/3 vs. DePaul, 3/7 Postseason prospects » Two years ago it was the Final Four. But the Hoyas (13-10, 4-8 Big East) don't appear to have a ticket to the Big Dance this season. They're going to need two victories out of their three remaining games against top 12 opponents, along with a defining run at Madison Square Garden in the Big East Tournament. Silver Lining » After throwing caution to the wind, Georgetown nearly rallied...

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Tipoff » Feb. 18, 2009

HE SAID WHAT? “That’s the first time I’ve seen an MVP play 11 minutes in an All-Star Game.” — Western Conference coach Phil Jackson, on the selection of Shaquille O’Neal, as All-Star Game co-MVP. PLAYER OF THE WEEK Shaquille O’Neal, Phoenix Suns » The NBA All-Star Game has become increasingly contrived and decreasingly memorable. The lone highlight this year — O’Neal in pregame introductions, donning a white mask and break dancing with the dance troupe, the JabbaWockeeZ. The Big Baryshnikov also had some impressive moves on the basketball floor, hitting 8 of 9 shots, scoring 17 points, grabbing five rebounds, and helping the West...

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Return of Arenas brightens the mood in D.C.

All-Star guard practices for first time this season The Wizards stepped lively through a high-spirited practice Monday, refreshed by the All-Star break and rejuvenated by the return of Gilbert Arenas. Out since undergoing surgery on his left knee in September, Arenas practiced for the first time this season. “Today seeing him on court, practicing and handling the contact, hitting shots and pushing the ball up and getting out in transition, was wonderful,” said forward Caron Butler. “It brought back a lot of memories. I look forward to playing with him and getting him back as soon as possible.” The possibility of the return of Arenas, who had three surgeries on...

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Terps hunker down for stretch run

First of three tough games tonight at No. 13 Clemson Rankled by the harshest scrutiny it has received in coach Gary Williams’ 20 seasons, the Maryland basketball team has taken on a bunker mentality. It seems to be working. Last week’s victories at Georgia Tech and at home over Virginia Tech were testament to Williams’ ability to close ranks and circle the wagons. “That’s our family. You don’t really listen to what’s going on on the outside,” said senior forward Dave Neal. “The past couple days and weeks, there’s been stuff in the papers that we can’t really let us affect us. We have to stay focused. We’re out here...

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Mason finds the range, rolls past Northeastern

Patriots score 47 in second half of 64-53 win at Patriot Center When Army Sgt. James Bryant came out of the stands in boots and camouflage fatigues and hit a 3-point shot to win $200 Saturday at George Mason, he accomplished something the host Patriots hadn’t done in more than three halves of basketball. But after a half of ugly offense and more futility from beyond the arc, Mason finally rediscovered its long, lost touch against Northeastern. Hitting three 3-pointers in the first six minutes of the second half, Mason rekindled its offense and ran past the Huskies for a 64-53 victory before a homecoming crowd of 9,840. Up next » Drexel at GMU When » Wednesday, 6 Where...

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Trade now, or trade later?

As deadline looms, that is the question for Wizards Nobody likes to pay taxes, not even a millionaire like Abe Pollin. But if his Wizards don’t make a trade before next season, they will likely exceed the NBA luxury tax threshold and Pollin will have to reach for his checkbook. The options for Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld — trade now, before Thursday’s league deadline, or wait until the offseason. With Washington (11-42) out of the playoff picture at the All-Star break, this would normally be an opportune time to sell off veterans. But few of the Wizards have value other than Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. And Grunfeld doesn’t appear ready to break up his...

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Harrington set to weather Pebble

Rough weather forecast for AT&T National Pro-Am Three to watch Mike Weir » Short courses such as the three he will play this week — Pebble (6,816 yards), Spyglass (6,858) and Poppy Hills (6,833) — agree with Weir, who is playing well and has finished in the top five the last four years. Jim Furyk » His beloved Steelers started the month with a Super Bowl victory. Is Furyk, making his 2009 tour debut, ready to end his relative drought (no titles in 2008)? Finished last year with top-10s in his last four events. Davis Love III » Johnny Miller came out of semi-retirement and made a shocking run to the title at Pebble in 1994. Love, a winner here in 2001...

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George Mason is questionable outside Fairfax

For the last four weeks, George Mason coach Jim Larranaga has heard the same question, usually prefaced with a different apology. » Coach, I hate to ask you this … » Jim, I know this is getting old … » This sounds like a broken record … Larranaga is all too familiar with what follows: But why can’t you win on the road? Saturday’s 68-66 loss at James Madison was the Patriots’ latest road failure and one of the most mystifying. It came against an injury-riddled JMU squad, which had lost to Mason 10 straight times, including a decisive 71-57 verdict in Fairfax three weeks earlier. It was the fourth straight road loss in the...

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Just like in the movies

Wizards turn to Butler, Jamison for more heroics It was appropriate that Wizard Caron Butler’s buzzer-beating shot Sunday night downed the Indiana Pacers. The play was reminiscent of the 1986 film “Hoosiers,” about Indiana high school basketball. In the movie, coach Norman Dale of underdog Hickory High, designs an intricate final play, but is over-ruled by his star player, Jimmy Chitwood, who tells Dale, “I’ll make it.” Hickory inbounds to Chitwood, who holds the ball for the last shot. With the clock ticking down, Chitwood dribbles to his right, pulls up, swishes a jump shot at the buzzer, and is swarmed by teammates as he delivers Hickory the...

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Butler delivers dagger

Forward scores 15 points in final 3:45, hits jumper at buzzer to drop Indiana Moments before the opening tip each night at a Wizards home game, a voice comes over the public address imploring fans, “We need some energy. We need some noise.” REPORT CARD Most Valuable Player In his first game back from a bout with the flu, Caron Butler (35 points, 13 rebounds) scored the last 15 Wizards points over the final 3:45, hitting the winning shot at the buzzer, a 20-foot step-back jumper. T.J. Hooker With the Wiz hot in the third period and threatening to pull away, T.J. Ford (23 points, 7 assists) rescued the Pacers with 14 points, including one on a hook shot, in the final 9:22 of...

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Madison flips the script

Dukes end 10-game losing streak against Mason, extend Patriots’ road woes Eighty-one north. Sixty-six east. Propelled by a lively home crowd, strong 3-point shooting, and clutch play down the stretch, James Madison flipped George Mason’s familiar chant and reversed the tide of a one-sided rivalry Saturday, edging its nemesis, 68-66, before 5,470 at the JMU Convocation Center. Freshman guard Devon Moore hit three free throws in the final 67 seconds, and the Dukes sweated out Mason freshman Ryan Pearson’s desperation 50-foot heave at the buzzer that clanged off the rim. With the win, JMU (16-9, 8-5) ended its 10-game losing streak to GMU, which prompted Dukes’...

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‘... Guys are not taking it seriously’

Ed Tapscott, interim head coach of the severely-depleted Washington Wizards, delivered ominous news in his pregame talk with reporters Friday night – the visiting Denver Nuggets were at full strength. But even with starter Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin back in the lineup, it was little-known, but outrageously appointed, Chris Andersen who stole the show. Igniting Denver with his high-flying energy, Andersen had 13 points and five blocks, sparking the Nuggets to a 124-103 victory before an announced sellout of 20,173 at Verizon Center. With spiked hair, a baby-blue headband, long navy socks, and a body full of tattoos, the 6-foot-10 Andersen strikes a distinctive pose. Friday...

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Can Wiz hang with Nuggets?

With Butler questionable, Washington might have only eight players tonight The ineptitude of the depleted Wizards has made history. With losses to the Memphis Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets this week, the Wizards achieved a franchise first — back-to-back home losses by double-digit margins to teams with losing records. Up next » Nuggets at Wizards When » Friday, 8 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » ESPN, CSN(HD)/980 AM » The Wizards get their first look at Denver, thriving with PG Chauncey Billups (18.5 points per game, 6.3 apg) running an offense that features F Carmelo Anthony (21.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and a lot of spare parts who have panned out. F Kenyon...

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Mason back in Colonial chase

Can Patriots snap road skid Saturday at JMU? Is the Colonial Athletic Association the most balanced conference in the nation? Evidence to the affirmative was provided Wednesday when the league’s bottom two teams stunned the top two. While last-place William & Mary upset first-place Northeastern, next-to-last UNC-Wilmington toppled second place Virginia Commonwealth. The results put George Mason (16-6, 9-3) back in the CAA race. The Patriots are tied with VCU (16-7, 9-3) and face league-leading Northeastern (15-7, 10-2) a week from tomorrow. Before that, however, Mason must deal with its road woes. The Patriots play at rival James Madison (15-9, 7-5) on Saturday and at Delaware...

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Without Butler, Wizards can’t compete

Nets roll past injury-riddled Washington, 115-88 How much does Caron Butler mean to the Washington Wizards? Wednesday night at Verizon Center, with their two-time All-Star out with the flu, the Wizards found out the hard way in a humbling 115-88 loss to the New Jersey Nets. Led by guards Devin Harris (26 points, 7 assists) and Vince Carter (20 points) and rookie center Brook Lopez (12 points, 12 rebounds, who hit all six of his shots from the floor, the Nets registered 61.3 percent from the floor, their best since March of 2003. What does an uncontested jumper look like? They were available all night to a New Jersey team that had lost eight of its previous 11. “We had enough to...

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Different scene at Torrey Pines

But still intrigue as Lefty leads strong Buick field This week’s Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines will bear little resemblance to last year’s memorable U.S. Open on the same course. There’s no Tiger Woods. No Rocco Mediate. Even San Diego’s most reliable constant — the sun — might not appear until the weekend. The forecast is for rain and cool temperatures. But don’t bemoan the fate of the Buick Invitational. Torrey Pines is one of the sport’s signature venues. And this week’s strong field is sprinkled with quality players from San Diego, including favorite son and the sport’s No. 2 drawing card, Phil Mickelson. Five players...

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Patriots throttle Pride, 78-54

As George Mason forward Ryan Pearson, a native of New York, stood at the foul line Tuesday in a game against Hofstra, the loudest member of the boisterous Patriots’ band noticed the irony. “Why didn’t you recruit him, Tom?’ the Viking-horned clarinet player screamed at Pride coach Tom Pecora. “He was right in your own backyard.” It was an appropriate comment on a night when Mason dominated Hofstra in every way possible. With Pearson sparking the offense, John Vaughan doing a little of everything, and all of the Patriots swarming on defense, Mason led all the way in a 78-54 win before 5,067 at the Patriot Center. Coming off three Colonial Athletic...

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Tapscott calling for more effort

Energy boost needed for depleted Wizards tonight Have the Wizards hit rock bottom? Monday’s 113-97 loss to Memphis was witnessed by the smallest Verizon Center crowd in more than two years, 11,442, and came against a team that had lost 12 straight games and starts three rookies. Afterward even the Wizards’ power-of-positive-thinking coach, Ed Tapscott, had nothing good to say. Up next » Nets vs. Wizards When » Wednesday, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN(HD)/980 AM » The Wizards will face their former draft pick, All-Star G Devin Harris (21.5 points per game, 6.4 apg). In 2004, Washington made Harris the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft, then...

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Wizards can’t hold the Mayo

Young Memphis runs away from Washington in second half The Washington Wizards got an up-close look at a living, breathing lottery pick Monday night. In this year’s NBA Draft, they can only hope they’ll be as fortunate as the Memphis Grizzlies were in 2008. Taken No. 3 last June, O.J. Mayo was the best player on the floor Monday. Scoring on a breakaway dunk with 14 seconds left, Mayo matched his career high, 33 points, propelling Memphis to a 113-97 victory in front of the smallest crowd at Verizon Center this season, 11,442. In breaking their 12-game losing streak, and delivering the first win for new coach Lionel Hollins, the Grizzlies (12-35) also got a big night from...

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Wizards’ Young is prone to excess

Is the guard back in the zone? Global warming causes temperature extremes? Climatologists may have their most compelling evidence yet — the shooting of Wizards guard Nick Young. Is there a player in the NBA more prone to boom or bust? After hitting 43 of 60 shots (70.7 percent) in a ridiculous four-game splurge earlier this month, Young followed it up with a 12-for-42 free fall (28.6 percent) in a seven-game span. But Saturday night Young snapped out of it just as suddenly, hitting 8 of 11 shots on his way to 22 points in the Wizards’ 106-94 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Young gun The up-and-down shooting of Nick Young. Game...

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Wiz go back to the future to beat Clips, 106-94

McGee, Young lift Washington as Wizards pull away in the fourth After four straight playoff appearances, it has been humbling for the Washington Wizards to find themselves associated with the worst teams in the NBA. So Saturday night, when they faced the standard-bearer for NBA ineptitude, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Wizards played with a certain disdain. Led by Antawn Jamison and reserves JaVale McGee and Nick Young, Washington rolled to a 106-94 victory before 18,227 at the Verizon Center. Forward Jamison (25 points, 12 rebounds) had his second big game on back-to-back nights while McGee (18 points, 9 rebounds) and Young (22 points) provided energy off the bench as Washington (10-36)...

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There will be no cake for the Wizards this season

2008 All-Stars Jamison, Butler will stay home “Where’s the cake?” Those were the memorable words of Washington owner Abe Pollin when he threw a party for Wizards Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, celebrating their selection to the 2005 All-Star Game. The cake party had become a regular January event at Verizon Center. In a span of four years, Pollin feted seven Wizards’ selections. Up next » Wizards at Sixers When » Friday, 7 Where » Wachovia Center TV/Radio » CSN/980 AM » Philadelphia (22-22) swept two games with Washington, six days apart in December. Sixers are led by Andre Iguodala (17.7 points per game, 6.2 rpg, 5.3 apg),...

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Pearson, Morrison have the inside stuff for Patriots

The graduation of Will Thomas was a significant loss for George Mason. But the Patriots are making do inside with another pair of left-handers. Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison, both freshmen, have combined with senior Darryl Monroe to make a potential trouble spot an area of strength. Up next » George Mason at ODU When » Saturday, 7 Where » Ted Constant Convocation TV/Radio » CSN/1260 AM The Patriots knew what Monroe could do. After sitting out last season after toe surgery, the only question about the 6-foot-7 senior was his health. But the freshmen have been a revelation, giving Mason (15-5, 8-2) immediate and unexpected flexibility inside and potential that the...

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Wizards can apply Heat

Washington faces Miami without injured Blatche To ease the pain of their lost season, the Wizards can consult tonight’s opponent, the Miami Heat. At this point last year, the Heat had the same record as this year’s Wizards (9-35). And that’s not where the similarities end. Like Washington, Miami was coming off four straight playoff appearances, was wondering if its franchise player, Dwyane Wade, was done, and was hamstrung by other injuries. But this season has brought a reversal of fortune. With everyone healthy and with the addition of lottery pick Michael Beasley, Miami (24-19) has returned to its familiar neighborhood, tied for fifth place in the Eastern...

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O’Neal, Suns eclipse Wizards

Rejuvenated veteran leads Phoenix past Washington, 103-87 Wizards forwards Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison brought their All-Star stuff to the Verizon Center Monday night. But they had a huge task literally and figuratively. Despite scoring a combined 55 points, Butler and Jamison couldn’t quite scale mountainous Shaquille O’Neal and the Phoenix Suns. Led by the 7-foot, 360-pound center, Phoenix handed Washington a 103-87 defeat before 17,344. At age 36, O’Neal is no longer the best player in the NBA. But he still might be the most entertaining. Monday night after he blocked the path of Butler to the basket, swallowing the 6-foot-8 forward with his enormous right arm,...

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Coming of age for GMU’s Long?

With Vaughan out, sophomore guard raises his game on big stage When asked last week if he viewed Saturday’s nationally-televised game against VCU and CAA Player of the Year Eric Maynor as an opportunity to break out individually, George Mason guard Cam Long said all the right things. “I don’t really look at it that way,” said Long. “I just play to win.” But then the 6-foot-4 sophomore relented. “It’s going to be a big game because he’s one of the best point guards, pretty much in the nation,” said Long. “Me being a point guard and trying to come up to his same level, it would give me a big jump. It would be like,...

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Winning record, but Shaq, Suns feeling the heat

‘Struggling’ Phoenix faces Wizards tonight Some NBA teams would be thrilled with a 23-18 record. But not in the Land of the Sun. When you’ve been to the playoffs 18 of the last 20 years, a mark matched only by the Spurs and Lakers, and are paying Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, and newly-acquired Jason Richardson at least $12 million each, ninth place in the Western Conference is unacceptable. But that’s the plight of the Suns, who visit the Wizards (9-34) tonight. Up next » Wizards vs. Suns When » Tonight, 7 Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN(HD)/980 AM » Suns are led by F Amare Stoudamire (21 points per...

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Maynor is too much for Mason

Senior leads VCU with 28 points as Rams down Patriots, 76-71 For the first 13 minutes of its Colonial Athletic Association clash with VCU, George Mason’s strategy to contain Rams star Eric Maynor was more like “Operation Shutdown.” But once Maynor got his explosive game in gear, there was no stopping the conference scoring leader or his Rams. Scoring 28 points in the final 27 minutes, Maynor led VCU to a 76-71 victory before 7,594 fans at the noisy Siegel Center. After failing to score against Mason guard Cameron Long in the first 13 minutes, Maynor got into the flow with the help of a blistering VCU press, which accounted for most of the Patriots’ 14 turnovers...

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If you think the action on the court is fast ...

The speed inside of TNT’s ‘truck’ is even faster “Keep on. Keep on ... Animate!” Those are the words of TNT director Renardo Lowe during a Wizards-Celtics broadcast last month. As he speaks, viewers across the country are watching Boston center Kendrick Perkins at the free-throw line. It’s a lull in an inconsequential NBA game. But in the truck, the nerve center for an “NBA on TNT” broadcast, there’s no down time. Albert, Fratello have great rapport Just as it is on the basketball floor, chemistry in a broadcast booth is essential to success. TNT’s Marv Albert and Mike Fratello had it almost instantly when they were matched...

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Wizards midseason report

What to expect in the second half 1. PLAY THE YOUTH » The Wizards should find consistent minutes for their six young players, none older than 23 — Javaris Crittenton, Nick Young, JaVale McGee, Oleksiy Pecherov, Dominic McGuire and Andray Blatche. Play them, evaluate them, then make decisions on their future. This is the best time to figure out if they are part of the puzzle or should be dealt. 2. SIT THE VETS » Don’t be surprised if the Wizards use a minor injury as reason to shut down Antawn Jamison or Caron Butler. Both are averaging 38.4 minutes per game. There is no reason these cornerstone players should continue that pace for a lottery-bound team....

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Wizards face lottery-bound Kings

The Wizards hit the mid-point of their frustrating season today on pace to finish with the worst record in franchise history. Tonight when Washington (8-32) plays at Sacramento (10-31), the Wizards will meet another lottery contender. This is unfamiliar territory for both teams. The Wizards have been to the playoffs the last four years. The Kings went eight straight times between 1999-2006, and have been in the hunt for a playoff berth the last two seasons before this year’s free fall. This is the Wizards’ best opportunity for a victory on this four-game West Coast road trip, which includes games against the Los Angeles Lakers (31-8) Thursday and Portland (24-16) Saturday. The...

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Let them eat toast

On empty stomach, Pearson fills stat sheet Has George Mason coach Jim Larranaga accidentally discovered the perfect pre-game meal? After a mid-week bout with the flu, George Mason freshman Ryan Pearson could stomach only a piece of toast Saturday morning before the Patriots’ game with visiting James Madison. But the 6-foot-6 forward scored 13 points in the first half to help the Patriots get a lead they never relinquished in a 71-57 victory. Up next » GMU at Northeastern When » Wednesday, 7 TV » MASN Northeastern is led by 6-5 junior Matt Janning (15.0 points per game) and junior Manny Adako (11.6 ppg).. “Toast, no butter, no jam,” said Larranaga....

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Butler, Wizards miss out on historic event

As the nation turns its eyes to Washington, team departs on road trip If you’re young, black and American — a description that fits 13 of the 15 Washington Wizards — the District is the place to be this week. But instead of witnessing Barack Obama’s historic inauguration, the Wizards are making like Republicans, and leaving town. Up next » Wizards at Warriors When » Today, 4 p.m. Where » ORACLE Arena, Oakland, Calif. TV/Radio » CW50/980 AM Washington travels to Golden State (12-29) for a Martin Luther King Day matinee. The Wizards got their season high against the up-tempo Warriors in a 124-100 victory in Washington on Nov. 25 in interim...

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Rivalry? What rivalry?

George Mason extends its spell over James Madison After trailing all the way en route to a 71-57 loss at George Mason Saturday, James Madison rookie coach Matt Brady was asked about the rivalry between the schools. “My first impression of the rivalry?” said Brady. “Guys keep using that word ‘rivalry.’ I don’t know what the rivalry is. We’re 0-10 the last 10 times we played George Mason. Where’s the rivalry? I don’t know.” It was an admission that the Dukes have a way to go to reach the level of the Colonial Athletic Association elite. Mason’s win Saturday, before a boisterous crowd of 8,665, was accomplished with its...

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Wizards find the finishing touch

Washington rallies past New York with 15-0 stretch run For one night in the Washington Wizards’ long, frustrating season, magic returned to the Verizon Center. No, we’re not talking about illusionists Quick Change, who entertained at halftime. For once, it was the Wizards who conjured up a clutch stretch run to rally past the New York Knicks, 96-89, before 17,526 Friday night. Reeling off 15 straight points in the final 2 minutes, 37 seconds, Washington did to New York what so many opponents have done to the Wizards. Guard Mike James (19 points) hit a pair of 3-pointers from the top of the key and forward Caron Butler (11 points, 7 assists) sewed it up with a jumper and...

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Wiz host Knicks, hope for more big things from red-hot Young

Shooting guard has hit 43 of his last 60 shots In the midst of the best stretch in his two years with the Wizards, Nick Young’s confidence has peaked. So what happens when he runs into the inevitable dry spell? Interim coach Ed Tapscott isn’t concerned. “If you’ve earned your minutes and you know you’re part of the rotation, you’re confidence will take you through any mini-slumps,” said Tapscott. While Young’s talent has never been questioned, his confidence has. It was up early this year, wavered in December, but has returned. In the last four games, he’s averaged 25.7 points, hitting 71 percent of his shots. “He knows...

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Wizards’ Thomas is out indefinitely with a torn MCL

Team faces Knicks tonight without its reserve center Wizards reserve center Etan Thomas has suffered a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee, the team announced Tuesday. He will be evaluated in two weeks and is out indefinitely. Thomas was hurt in the first period of the Wizards’ 97-91 loss to Milwaukee Monday night. Up next » Wizards at Knicks » The Knicks (14-22) are coming off their best win this season, 101-95, at New Orleans Monday. F David Lee had 24 points and G Quentin Richardson and G Chris Duhon combined for 17 of the Knicks’ 30 assists as New York responded to the plea of first-year coach Mike D’Antoni to distribute the ball. Former...

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Wizards: Just fade away

Young sparkles, but Washington can’t prevent another late collapse “Fade” describes the best shot in the arsenal of Wizards guard Nick Young. It also tells the tale of the fourth quarter woes of his struggling team. Both were on display Monday night at the Verizon Center. REPORT CARD MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Former All-Star guard Michael Redd scored 29 points and hit the game’s biggest shot, a 3-pointer with 1:20 left that gave the Bucks a 93-90 lead. The left-hander hit 11 of 20 shots and had seven points in the final three minutes. ALL-STAR PERFORMANCE Wizards guard Nick Young hit his first seven shots on his way to a career-high 30 points. The second-year man from...

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Closing woes for Wizards

Struggling Washington looks for answers tonight The themes of the Wizards’ lost season have become all too familiar. The most persistent and frustrating for the last place team in the Eastern Conference? Its inability to close. The Wizards (7-29) have lost 11 games that they led in the fourth quarter, another that was tied, and 10 more in which they had whittled the deficit to five or fewer points. On the flip side, they’ve won three times after trailing in the fourth quarter, once after the score was tied, and once after their lead had been sliced to four. Add it all up and it’s a 5-22 record in winnable games. That’s supposed to happen to inexperienced teams...

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Wizards go young, but lose in familiar fashion

Charlotte comes from 13 down in second half to win, 92-89 If the Wizards aren’t going to be good, then why not have some fun? That was the message Saturday night at Verizon Center as 7-foot JaVale McGee peeled off his warm-ups for the first time in five games and put a charge in a sleepy Saturday crowd. With three huge strides, two dribbles, and a sensational windmill dunk, McGee suggested that the Wizards are headed in a new direction – maybe not better, but decidedly younger, more entertaining, and with an eye to the future. Saturday’s 92-89 loss to Charlotte was another in a series of second half fades for Washington, but at least the sellout crowd of 20,173 could...

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Terps play ugly, but win, 68-61

The opening tip Saturday at Comcast Center resembled a rugby scrum — the ball squirting out of a wild scramble of players. Maryland senior Dave Neal had time to make an easy pickup, but dove to the floor instead. With that, the tone was set for the Terrapins’ high-intensity, low-artistry ACC opener with Georgia Tech. But playing ugly suits Maryland. Rebounding from Wednesday’s shocking upset to Morgan State, the Terrapins staged an inspired second-half rally led by guards Eric Hayes, Greivis Vasquez, and Adrian Bowie to defeat Tech, 68-61. In storming back from a 10-point deficit, Maryland (12-3, 1-0) out-scored Tech 28-11 over the final 9 minutes, 17 seconds, to the...

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Resignation taking hold for Wiz?

Struggling team hopes for better tonight at Chicago What a difference two losses can make. Monday when he was asked if he thought Gilbert Arenas would return this year, Caron Butler said, “Oh, yeah, definitely.” But three days later, after deflating defeats at Orlando and at home to Toronto, Butler did a 180-degree spin when he was posed the same question. “Me personally, I don’t think he’ll be back, just for the simple fact of where we’re at right now,” said Butler on ESPN 980’s “The John Thompson Show.” Wizards at Bulls » The Bulls are led by the perimeter trio of G Ben Gordon (21.0 points per game), F Luol Deng (13.1...

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Wizards back to square one

Rebounding, defensive woes resurface in loss to depleted Raptors, 99-93 By Kevin Dunleavy It wouldn’t be accurate to say the Toronto Raptors were “missing” three starters Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards. Jermaine O’Neal, Jamario Moon, and Jose Calderon just didn’t play. Even without 60 percent of its starting lineup, Toronto had plenty against the equally depleted Wizards. Reserve center Andrea Bargnani hit 8 of 9 shots from the floor on his way to 25 points, leading the Raptors to a routine victory, 99-93, before 13,864 at the Verizon Center. With the 7-foot Bargnani showing the touch that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 draft...

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Wizards are anything but crabby

After beating James’ gang, Washington faces Orlando Nothing puts Washington in a better mood than beating nemesis Cleveland. A day after Sunday’s 80-77 win over the Cavaliers, the Wizards still were enjoying LeBron James’ curious explanation of his crucial traveling violation. The question of the day: What exactly is a “crab dribble?” “I don’t know,” said Antawn Jamison. “But I know what a travel is.” “Being from the Maryland Eastern Shore area, we should know that,” joked interim coach Ed Tapscott. “I’ll have to check in my book.” Caron Butler had the best explanation. “Crab dribble is...

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For once, Wizards get the call

A late traveling whistle against LeBron seals win How many times has LeBron James broken the hearts of the Washington Wizards? Sunday at the Verizon Center a sellout crowd of 20,173 held its breath as James had the ball twice in the final 10 seconds of a one-possession game. But finally it was the Wizards turn. With James drawing a traveling call with 2.3 seconds left and missing a fade away 3-pointer at the buzzer, Washington escaped with an 80-77 win. After blowing a 16-point fourth quarter lead, forward Antawn Jamison (26 points, 13 rebounds) hit the game winner with 10 second left, an 18-foot catch-and-shoot baseline jumper on a pass from Nick Young. Up next » Wizards at...

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Celtics will test Wizards’ new-found desire; Butler expected back

It took a coaching change, a trade, lineup shuffling and soul searching, but the Wizards are finally beginning to live up to their marketing slogan — character, commitment, connection. Starting with a 109-103 loss Christmas night in Cleveland, the Wizards have put together their best stretch of the season. Four games is a modest sampling size, and 2-2 is no cause for celebration, but Washington (6-24) appears more committed to defense and rebounding than at any time this year. Did Santa finally bring those elusive public relations characteristics to the last place team in the Eastern Conference? Tonight at Boston (28-5), Washington’s newfound strength will be tested by the...

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Year in review » D.C. sports

10 best stories in D.C. of 2008 Caps get city to ‘Rock the Red’ as Ovi wins MVP; Zorn era begins at Redskins Park; a new ball park debuts on the Anacostia; Super Bowl stars find their way to Canton; Agent Zero gets paid; a legend retires. Capitals playoff run 1 » No one accuses Washington of being a hockey town. But it became one last spring as the Capitals played before red-clad sell-out crowds at Verizon Center, winning 11 of their final 12 games to clinch the Southeast Division title and first playoff berth in five years. The run also vaulted former Hershey coach Bruce Boudreau to NHL Coach of the Year in his first shot at coaching in the majors. Search ends with...

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Stevenson likely out of Wizards' lineup

After 275 consecutive starts, Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson will probably start tonight’s game at Charlotte (9-19) on the bench. According to interim coach Ed Tapscott, Stevenson offered to move to the bench in an attempt to get his “swag” back. “I thought it was an enormously gracious thing to say,” said Tapscott. “We’re looking at different combinations to see who we might put in the lineup — see if we’ll go big or small and let DeShawn go with the second unit for a while. The ultimate team guy and that’s why I have so much respect for the guy. He’s the type of guy who’ll do anything to get a win.” Tapscott...

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Wizards stars can’t get their shots

Philadelphia takes advantage of another fourth-quarter flame out for Washington In the final minutes of a close game last night at Verizon Center, the Washington Wizards figured to have the advantage over the young Philadelphia 76ers. In all-star forwards Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, who have a combined 18 years of NBA experience, the Wizards have a nice pair of options on either side of the floor. But on the three most important possessions Friday night, neither got off a shot. Instead it was Andray Blatche missing a 21-footer from the key and a 15-footer from the baseline. In between DeShawn Stevenson missed a 3-pointer from the wing. It all added up to another fourth-quarter...

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Wizards’ reliable forwards flounder in low-scoring loss

Jamison a game-time decision tonight The Wizards are so used to penciling in forwards Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler for their usual 20-plus points, that when they don’t produce, it’s glaring. Such was the case in Wednesday’s 88-74 loss at Detroit as Jamison (14 points, 41 minutes) and Butler (5 points, 36 minutes) made only six field goals, their lowest combined output in their four seasons together in Washington. As a result, the Wizards (4-19) scored their fewest points in a game this season and hit a season-low 33 percent from the floor. Up next » Sixers at Wizards Philadelphia got bad news Thursday. Top scorer and rebounder Elton Brand (shoulder) is out for...

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Young aims to get in the flow

Wizards guard looks for return to form tonight at Detroit No one is immune to the shooting woes that have cursed the Washington Wizards’ backcourt. Even their most dependable scorer over the first five weeks, Nick Young, has been infected. Mired in a 5-for-21 slump over his last five games, Young has seen his minutes slip. After playing at least 15 in every game, Young has logged a total of nine in the last two contests. But tonight when Washington (4-18) travels to Detroit (13-9), Young will get a longer look. “I told him, ‘I’m gonna play you a full segment. Don’t worry about making a mistake,’” said Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott. “I...

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Indiana feasts on woeful Wiz

Pacers end six-game skid with victory at Verizon The struggling Indiana Pacers found the cure for their December woes Monday at Verizon Center — the indifferent play of the Wizards. Up next » Wizards at Pistons When » Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Where » The Palace of Auburn Hills TV/Radio » CSN/980 AM » After losing at Verizon Center last Tuesday, Detroit (13-9) beat Indiana and Charlotte, both by four points, on Friday and Saturday. New PG Rodney Stuckey had 34 points and 18 assists in the two games and appears to have found chemistry with SG Allen Iverson (37 points, 15 assists) and SF Richard Hamilton (46 points). Both shifted up a slot to...

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After lopsided losses, Wizards talk about practice

Tapscott issues more work for young players Are the Wizards reaching the boiling point with their young players? Up next » Pacers at Wizards When » Monday, 7 p.m. Where » Verizon Center TV/Radio » CSN/980 AM » After starting the month with an upset of the Lakers, Indiana (7-16) has lost six straight — including five on the road. Like the Wizards, the culprit has been defense. Seven of their last eight opponents have shot 50 percent or better from the field. F Danny Granger (23.5 points per game) is the top scorer. The Pacers have a new starting backcourt with SG Marquis Daniels (15.5 ppg) having the best season of his five-year career. PG T.J....

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Wizards no match for energized Celtics

A different story this season in 122-88 rout Beware of a motivated team: especially if it’s is the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics, especially if the game is on national television, and especially if you’ve beaten them three straight times. That was the unfortunate set of circumstances that the Wizards faced Thursday at Verizon Center. To make matters worse, they were breaking in a new pair of guards – Mike James and Javaris Crittenton, acquired in a Wednesday trade. It all added up to the Wizards’ most decisive loss this season, 122-88, one in which their usual flaws were exposed, and the power of their opponent was showcased in front of a sellout crowd of...

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Something old, something new for Wizards

Different strokes for Crittenton and James Javaris Crittenton is thrilled to be in Washington. For Mike James, it’s just another routine stop in his well-traveled basketball career. Those are the disparate feelings of the Wizards' two newest players, both acquired in a three-team deal Wednesday. The guards were in uniform for last night’s game at Verizon Center against the Boston Celtics. Crittenton, 20, has at long last, a chance to play. He was buried on the bench in his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers. This year in Memphis, the 6-foot-5 guard was playing behind O.J. Mayo, Mike Conley and Kyle Lowry. “I’m very happy to be here. I’m very excited....

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Changing of the guard

James, Crittenton arrive; Daniels, Brown depart Mired in last place in the NBA East, the Wizards have shaken up their backcourt, acquiring guards Mike James from New Orleans and Javaris Crittenton from Memphis. In the three-team deal, the Wizards (4-15) sent veteran guard Antonio Daniels to New Orleans, and a conditional first-round draft choice to Memphis. The pick was acquired from the Grizzlies in August 2007 for Juan Carlos Navarro, who never played in Washington. To make room on the roster, the Wizards waived guard Dee Brown. “This is gonna upgrade our backcourt with a solid veteran in Mike James, and a very talented young player in Javaris,” said Wizards President of...

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Wizards bench the difference against Pistons