Westbrook Held Out of ASG Starting Lineup
The NBA All-Star Game starting lineups were revealed on Thursday evening, and to the surprise of many, Russell Westbrook was not included. Despite averaging a triple-double through the first half of the regular season, the likes of Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and James Harden got the nod over the Thunder's star in the West. This is the first year of the new voting, which includes a combination of the players, media, and fan selections. In the East, Jimmy Butler, LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kyrie Irving make up the starting five. James is the leading scorer in All-Star Game history, and will be just the fifth player to make 13 All-Star starts.
Gonzaga, Oregon Keep on Rolling
Two college basketball teams remained red hot on Thursday night, including the only unbeaten team left in Division I play. The fourth-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs improved to 18-0 with an 88-57 rout of Santa Clara on the road. Przemek Karnowski led the way with 19 points on just seven shots, making six of them. He added seven points from the free throw line, as his team extended their best start in school history, and improved to 6-0 in conference play. Zach Collins had 16 points, while Nigel Williams-Goss recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds in the Bulldogs' 11th-straight double-digit win. Meanwhile, the Oregon Ducks tied a school record with their 15th straight victory, 86-63, over California. The 11th-ranked Ducks have overcome a slow start to their season, and were led by Jordan Bell's career-high 26 points. Casey Benson had 15 points on five three-pointers, helping the Ducks pull away, despite losing top-producer, Dillon Brooks. The star reportedly left the game with a leg injury at the half. There is no word on his availability for Saturday's game against Stanford.
Orioles Lock Up HR Leader
The Baltimore Orioles are in a home run-hitting division, and ballpark, so why not hang on to the league's home run leader from last season. The O's and outfielder/first baseman, Mark Trumbo, agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal on Thursday. The 31-year-old led the big leagues last season with 47 home runs in 2016, leading Baltimore to the postseason for the third time in five years. It was the first playoff appearance for Trumbo, who made the All-Star team for the second time in his career. Trumbo received a one-year, $17.2 million qualifying offer after the season. In seven major league seasons, the slugger has been with four teams, compiling a .251 average with 178 home runs in 849 games.
The NBA All-Star Game starting lineups were revealed on Thursday evening, and to the surprise of many, Russell Westbrook was not included. Despite averaging a triple-double through the first half of the regular season, the likes of Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and James Harden got the nod over the Thunder's star in the West. This is the first year of the new voting, which includes a combination of the players, media, and fan selections. In the East, Jimmy Butler, LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kyrie Irving make up the starting five. James is the leading scorer in All-Star Game history, and will be just the fifth player to make 13 All-Star starts.
Gonzaga, Oregon Keep on Rolling
Two college basketball teams remained red hot on Thursday night, including the only unbeaten team left in Division I play. The fourth-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs improved to 18-0 with an 88-57 rout of Santa Clara on the road. Przemek Karnowski led the way with 19 points on just seven shots, making six of them. He added seven points from the free throw line, as his team extended their best start in school history, and improved to 6-0 in conference play. Zach Collins had 16 points, while Nigel Williams-Goss recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds in the Bulldogs' 11th-straight double-digit win. Meanwhile, the Oregon Ducks tied a school record with their 15th straight victory, 86-63, over California. The 11th-ranked Ducks have overcome a slow start to their season, and were led by Jordan Bell's career-high 26 points. Casey Benson had 15 points on five three-pointers, helping the Ducks pull away, despite losing top-producer, Dillon Brooks. The star reportedly left the game with a leg injury at the half. There is no word on his availability for Saturday's game against Stanford.
Orioles Lock Up HR Leader
The Baltimore Orioles are in a home run-hitting division, and ballpark, so why not hang on to the league's home run leader from last season. The O's and outfielder/first baseman, Mark Trumbo, agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal on Thursday. The 31-year-old led the big leagues last season with 47 home runs in 2016, leading Baltimore to the postseason for the third time in five years. It was the first playoff appearance for Trumbo, who made the All-Star team for the second time in his career. Trumbo received a one-year, $17.2 million qualifying offer after the season. In seven major league seasons, the slugger has been with four teams, compiling a .251 average with 178 home runs in 849 games.
