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NBA: Celtics Lose in Overtime

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MEMPHIS – Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant scored 29 points and added nine assists to lead the Grizzlies over the visiting Boston Celtics, 132-126, in overtime Monday. Morant hit three of four free throws in the closing seconds of OT to preserve Memphis’ third win in four games.

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Playing without two of their top three players –  Jayson Tatum, who sat out due to an illness, and Kemba Walker, sidelined due to left knee injury management – the Celtics dropped their fifth game of seven since returning to action following the annual NBA All-Star break.

Jaylen Brown scored 20 of his 27 points in the second half and finished with nine rebounds and five assists for Boston while reserve Jeff Teague, who started for Tatum, had 26 points and six assists.

Jonas Valanciunas contributed 16 points and a game-high 19 rebounds as the Grizzlies secured a split of the two-game season series against Boston. Dillon Brooks scored five of his 24 points in overtime to help the Grizzlies outscore Boston 15-9.

Red Sox Spring Training Notes (Mar. 23)

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FORT MYERS – In yesterday’s 10-4 win at Tampa Bay, four of Boston’s eight hits went for extra bases, including Home Runs by Christian Arroyo, Michael Chavis, and Bobby Dalbec. In the 3rd inning, Arroyo and Chavis homered on consecutive pitches.

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Dalbec and Chavis each hit their sixth HR of spring training yesterday, the most in the Grapefruit League and tied with LA Dodgers slugger Corey Seager for most in the majors.

The Red Sox are 8-3-1 in their last 12 games of Grapefruit League action. There are only nine days left until MLB Opening Day. Boston leads the Grapefruit League in runs (121), AVG (.271), HR (32), doubles (40), OBP (.356), and SLG (.498)… They have hit 8 more HR than any other team in the Grapefruit League.

Today marks the seventh of nine scheduled Grapefruit League meetings between the Red Sox and Atlanta Braves (currently tied, 3-3). The clubs will close out their spring training schedules against each other on 3/29 in North Port and 3/30 at jetBlue Park. The Sox and Braves will play each other 4 times in the regular season, with 2 games at Fenway Park (5/25-26) and 2 at Truist Park (6/15-16).

 

David Levy Becomes a Genius

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NEW YORK – (Official News Release) – Genius Sports Group, a  provider of sports data and technology powering the sports, betting and media ecosystem, has appointed sports industry pioneer David Levy as its new Chairman. In his new role, Levy will lead the Board’s oversight of Genius’ operations and strategy.

Levy is one of the most respected figures in the global sports industry, with a career spanning a range of leadership positions; including President at Turner Broadcasting, Inc., and senior advisor roles at Raine Group and Arctos Sports Group respectively.

During his 30-year tenure at Turner, Levy played an instrumental role in defining and expanding the company’s media rights and securing long-term partnerships with the NBA, MLB, NCAA and PGA. He also assumed executive oversight for increased investment in original premium content across the portfolio. He negotiated a variety of multi-faceted agreements, each representing a significant change extending far beyond traditional television rights.

In 2010, Levy orchestrated a landmark NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball deal, partnering with CBS for multi-media rights, including exclusive televised rights to the 2014 Final Four and National Championship Game in 2016. This marked the first time in the event’s history that these key games were televised by a cable network. In 2017, under Levy’s guidance, Turner added to its portfolio of premium sports properties by acquiring rights to UEFA, including UEFA Champions League, Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup. In 2018, Turner programming was nominated for 33 Emmy Awards.

In the Genius announcement, Levy said: “The capture and analysis of data has become fundamental to the rapid progression of the sports and media sectors. Genius is central to this unique ecosystem and is consistently leading the sports data and technology industry’s development. I am thrilled to join the business at such a historic time and look forward to working as part of the team.”

Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports Group, said: “With his incredible track-record working with many of the biggest names in sports and media, David’s appointment as Chairman is the latest historic milestone in Genius Sports Group’s growth journey.”

“The worlds of sports, media, advertising, betting and streaming are converging rapidly and David’s unique expertise and experience will be invaluable to positioning Genius and our partners at the forefront of this trend,” he added.

Genius Sports Group is the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the global ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media. We are a global leader in digital sports content, technology and integrity services. Our technology is used in over 150 countries worldwide, empowering sports to capture, manage and distribute their live data and video, driving their digital transformation and enhancing their relationships with fans.

Red Sox: Spring Training Notes: Mar 22

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FORT MYERS – The Red Sox dropped a 9-4 decision to the Pittsburgh Pirates and have lost their last two games, after going 7-1-1 in their previous nine outings. The Sox are 8-2 at jetBlue Park and 2-6-1 on the road.

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Today marks the seventh of eight Grapefruit League meetings between the Red Sox and Rays (Boston leads, 4-2). Only three of the Sox’ first 72 games will be against the Rays (4/5-7 at home), as well as only six of their first 106. From 7/30-9/8, 13 of the Sox’ 36 games will be against Tampa Bay.

Including today, the Sox have four home games and five road games remaining in Spring Training as the 10-day countdown to opening day begins.

Notes: Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Rays manager Kevin Cash were teammates with the Red Sox in 2007 and 2008, helping lead BOS to the postseason in each year…The Sox won the World Series in 2007. … Cora was major league teammates with six current MLB managers: Cash, Aaron Boone (CLE, 2005), Craig Counsell (LAD, 1999), Gabe Kapler (BOS, 2005-06), Dave Roberts (LAD, 2002-04), and David Ross (BOS, 2008).

 

PGA Tour: The Honda Classic Review

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The Honda Classic: Review and Notes

THE YEAR of the 40s: Matt Jones won his second PGA Tour title in his 330th start and became the fourth winner in his 40s this season. He also became the sixth player this season to win more than six years after his previous victory.

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Jones converted his 54-hole lead/co-lead for first time on Tour, and finished with a five-stroke win which ties the largest margin of victory in tournament history.

Brandon Hagy earned his best career PGA Tour result on his 30th birthday, and in doing so, he moved up 101 spots in the FedExCup standings.

Sam Ryder played the famed “Bear Trap” in 3-under for the week, the best of any player who made the cut.

Chase Seiffert (T-3) at (-6) closed with 6-under (64), matching his career low (64/R4) at the 2018 Travelers Championship). He moved from T-41 to T-3 and carded his fourth score of 65 or better this season.

Brendan Steele (T-3) at (-6) recorded his second consecutive top-10 result at The Honda Classic (T-4) in 2020 and has five Top 15 finishes in last six starts at The Honda Classic.

The Honda Classic – Final Leaderboard

Matt Jones 61-70-69-68—268 (-12)

Brandon Hagy 69-62-76-66—273 (-7)

Five players at (-6)

Full Leaderboard (link)

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Red Sox: Spring Training Update (Mar 21)

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FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – The Boston Red Sox had their 3-game win streak snapped on Saturday with an 8-2 loss at Atlanta. The Red Sox are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and 10-5-1 since beginning Spring Training 0-2. Boston has 10 games remaining in spring training before opening the regular season at home on Thursday, 4/1, against the Orioles.

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The Red Sox lead the majors in OPS (.854) and lead the Florida Grapefruit League in runs (107), AVG (.272), HR (29), doubles (35), OBP (.354), and SLG (.501).

The Red Sox have 35 active players remaining in Major League Spring Training camp, including 29 members of the 40-man roster and six non-roster invitees. In addition, LHP Chris Sale (60-day IL) and OF Franchy Cordero (COVID-19 Related IL) are on the injured list. Opening Day rosters must consist of 26 active players and must be submitted to MLB by noon (EDT) on Thursday, April 1.

Eleven members of the Red Sox’ 40-man roster/IL were not in the organization during the 2020 season and an additional five players on the 40-man were acquired in August 2020 including, Christian Arroyo, Nick Pivetta, Hudson Potts, Jeisson Rosario, and Connor Seabold.

Sox Manager Alex Cora announced that Eduardo Rodriguez will make his 1st career Opening Day start this season (4/1 vs. BAL). After missing the entire 2020 season with myocarditis, Rodriguez is 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA, .195 opponent AVG, and 0.69 WHIP in three starts this spring.

TL’s Sunday Notebook – March 21

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BOSTON – The Road to the Final Four isn’t going through Lexington, Kentucky. Nor is it going through Durham, North Carolina. The Road isn’t North Broad Street in Philadelphia where Temple University holds the fifth best college basketball winning percentage of all-time and it’s not taking a turn on the corners of Grand Central Parkway, Union Turnpike and Utopia Boulevard in Jamaica Estates, Queens where St. John’s boasts the ninth winningest basketball program in the history of the sport.

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Those traveling to Indianapolis for the Final Four won’t see the Golden Dome of Notre Dame in South Bend, and the Indiana Hoosiers won’t be playing although they’re using their gym. No Arizona, nor U of Vermont, and no Dayton Flyers – all NCAA regulars.

Gonzaga, a college basketball program established in 1908 and the 32nd winningest team in history holds the overall No. 1 seeding in place of longtime college blue bloods like the Kentucky Wildcats or Duke University Blue Demons.

The times have changed as Antoine Walker wasn’t coming through the door for Kentucky fans, and Christian Laettner wasn’t coming through the doors of Cameron for the Crazies.

The question (and possible answer) for this column is WHY?

To get this full column and Sunday Notebook, please subscribe – using our March Madness Discount – HERE

Final Round Coverage of Honda Classic

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PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA – For the second time this week, Matt Jones holds an overnight lead of three strokes as 36-hole leader Aaron Wise fell three shots behind in a bid for second PGA Tour win. Jones ranks No. 1 in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green (12.289) and second in the field in Strokes Gained Around the Green (5.716).

J.B. Holmes is making his seventh appearance at The Honda Classic and he started the third round eight-shots off the lead but posted a 3-under (67) on “Moving Day” and is now T-2 with Wise. Holmes is paired with Matt Jones in the final twosome.

Making his second start at The Honda Classic (T-53 in 2020), Winter Park, Florida, native Sam Ryder (T-4) at (-6) is in contention to claim his first career PGA Tour victory in his 90th start.

Following his shoulder injury, The Honda Classic marks the final event remaining for Camilo Villegas (T-13) at (-4) to earn 136 FedExCup points (3-way T-3 or better) and remain in the Major Medical category or 24 FedExCup points (2-way T-32 or better) to play the remainder of the season out of the 126-150 category.

No International Fans in Tokyo

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TOKYO, JAPAN – (Official News Wire Report) – The Tokyo Olympic Games are scheduled to be staged this summer, but only local fans will be allowed to attend. The decision to bar spectators from outside of the country was announced after a virtual meeting between the International Olympic Committee, the governments for both Japan and Tokyo, the International Paralympic Committee and local organizers.

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“In order to give clarity to ticket holders living overseas and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” a statement from the Tokyo organizing committee read, in part.

The Games are scheduled to begin on July 23, but approximately 600,000 tickets already have been sold to fans abroad. Japan, which is spending a reported $15.4 billion on the Games, has sold more than 4 million tickets domestically.

“We could wait until the very last moment to decide, except for the spectators,” said Seiko Hashimoto, head of the organizing committee. “They have to secure accommodations and flights. So we have to decide early otherwise we will cause a lot of inconvenience from them. I know this is a very tough issue.”

Tickets outside of Japan are handled by third-party retailers who charge fees on top of the ticket prices. It’s unclear if those fees will be included in refunds.

“We have to take decisions that may need sacrifice from everybody,” said Thomas Bach, the IOC president, who called it a “difficult decision.”

March Madness: 1 in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808

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By TERRY LYONS, Editor-in-Chief

BOSTON – C’mon now, admit it. Every year, after you fill-out your very own NCAA March Madness college basketball bracket, you’re absolutely sure you’ve got them all right. Every single pick looks perfect. Although the odds of picking the correct winning team in each tournament game are 1 in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (that’s one in 9.2 quintillion), you’re sure this is the year for perfection.

You watched the NCAA Selection Show on CBS Sports and made note of every word uttered by the magnificent Greg Gumbel, who along with his expert commentators – Clark Kellogg and Seth Davis – made quick decisions on the fate of 68 NCAA basketball tournament teams hailing from every corner of the United States of America.

Upon conclusion of the Selection Show, you grabbed the remote to switch from CBS to ESPN so you could learn what Dickie V (Vitale) and Jay Bilashave to say. While Dickie V entertained us from his basement in Lakewood Ranch, Bilas scoured his memory and notes for tiny sound bytes about great defensive schemes and tough match-ups in the first round.

Let’s dig in deeper for 2021, after all, it’s been nearly two years since we last filled out our brackets.

The No. 1 seeds look unbeatable, don’t they? It seems that a No. 16 vs a No. 1 upset is nearly impossible this year as No. 1 overall Gonzaga, Baylor, Illinois and Michigan were the top four teams in the Associated Press and college coaches poll rankings with the ‘Zags garnering every single No. 1 vote. Gonzaga is everyone’s pick to win it all and rightfully so with their (26-0) record and big time head coach in Mark Few. Gonzaga, the school Utah Jazz guard and USA Dream Teamer John Stockton put on the map when he was the West Coast Conference Player of the Year in 1984, went wire-to-wire as the nation’s No. 1 college basketball team this season.

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Now – QUICK! 

Name three players from the Gonzaga team.

Okay, I’ll spot you All-American first-teamer Corey Kispert as the 6-7 senior led the Zags in scoring at 19.2 ppm., slightly ahead of 6-10 sophomore forward Drew Timme (18.7). Freshman guard Jalen Suggs is pretty good, too. Wouldn’t you say?

You can take it from there. Here’s the full Gonzaga team roster with stats. And, here’s a full website of information, compiled by an army of SIDs in Spokane, Washington. Knock ‘em dead at the Virtual Zoom/Skype/WebEx water-cooler with your Gonzaga knowledge.

Now, before you fill-out your 2021 NCAA bracket, wouldn’t you like to join me in the same exercise for Baylor? Michigan? Illinois? Then, we can look at the No. 2s which are really no different than the No. 1s, except they face a potential match-up of a No. 3 rather than a No. 4.

Iowa, Alabama, The Ohio State University and Houston earned the No. 2 seeds this year and then the overall quality of clubs fell off to No. 3s in – Kansas, Texas, Arkansas and West Virginia. Hell? West Virginia went 18-9 and grabbed the No. 10 overall seed in this tournament.

In March, alone, West Virginia lost their last two games of the season to Oklahoma State (20-8, a No. 4 seed in the Midwest Regional, and the 15th overall seed in the tournament). On March 2, West Virginia lost a heartbreaker to Baylor, 94-89 in OT. Suffice to say, the tenth best team in the land is really not that great as this tournament begins.

Yet the beauty of March Madness is just that! As sure as I type these words, West Virginia and their lovable, huggable head coach in Bob Huggins can “march” all the way to the Final Four in a one and done, survive and advance format that has an important and very unique nuance for COVID-19+ 2021 – no travel. Every game is in the basketball-loving State of Indiana, most to be played in downtown Indianapolis.

The bracket gurus offered some advice in picking a perfect bracket or, at least, winning a pool of bracket-filling friends, using the ESPN Tournament Challenge or a.k.a. Bracketville. Here are a few others things to consider.

Helpful Hints for Success:

  1. Don’t even think of doing the No. 16 vs No. 1 thing.
  2. Don’t pick ALL No. 1s into your Final Four
  3. Don’t go too far extreme either as there’s only been two years since 1985 when the Final Four was played without a No. 1 seed in the building.
  4. One No. 1 seed has advanced (41%), while two No. 1s have advanced (38%) of the time since the 64+ team era of Bracketville.
  5. Examine the No. 12s vs No. 5s. Since ‘85, those pesky No. 12s have upset No. 5 a whopping (34.6%) and even better, No. 11s have upset No. 6s (37.5%) and No. 10s have upset No. 7s in (38.2%) of the NCAA Tournament games.
  6. Chances are – the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball championship team will be a No. 1, a No. 2 or maybe a No. 3 seed.

Do you see that Hugs?

While the First Four screwed-up the more traditional Bracket Mania and a Noon deadline on Thursday, this year the First Four is Thursday evening from Mackey Arena in beautiful West Lafayette (Purdue) or Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, (Indiana U.) – rather than the usual and popular Dayton, Ohio setting.

Lastly, if you’re looking to pick those perennial favorites, like Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, Notre Dame, Davidson, Indiana, Temple (fifth all-time winningest program), St. John’s (ninth all-time winningest program), or Arizona, look no further.

They’re all watching the 2021 tournament on TV, just like you.

And, we’ll get more into that on Sunday.