http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ All Sports en-us Copyright 2012, post-gazette.com. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 13:09:55 -0500 15 http://www.post-gazette.com/includes/2007design/images/150x30pg_now_logo.gif http://www.post-gazette.com/ 144 39 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208111-66.stm?cmpid=sports.xml INDIANAPOLIS -- Three decades after his Coke commercial won advertising's version of the Oscar, Joe Greene and his No. 75 Steelers jersey make a comeback in another Super Bowl spot on television. The new commercial relies heavily on the old one, only the Coke bottle has been replaced by a container of Downy Unstopables laundry product. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 12:01:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208112-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml INDIANAPOLIS -- Count Joe Greene among those happy to see the Steelers move to change their approach on offense. "If it doesn't feel good, you have to change it and, basically, it wasn't feeling good," Greene said Friday. "It wasn't feeling good in '09, and it wasn't feeling good in 2011." Sat, 4 Feb 2012 11:54:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208160-361.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Lincoln Davis scored a career-high 33 points for Central Catholic, but it wasn't enough as North Allegheny defeated the Vikings, 68-59, in a game with playoff implications. The Tigers (11-6, 6-4) are now in good position to earn the third playoff spot out of Class AAAA Section 3, while the Vikings (10-10, 5-6) must battle Butler for the fourth and final spot. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 10:23:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208161-361.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Obama Academy wasn't going to let anybody celebrate a championship on its court. DeAndre Byrd had 20 points and D.J. Porter 17 as the Eagles stayed in the City League regular-season title race with a 69-64 victory Friday against visiting Allderdice. Justin Dobbs had 30 points for the two-time defending City League champion Dragons (13-6, 10-1), who ranked No. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:35:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208135-139-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles dropped their investigation Friday of seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, ending a nearly two-year effort aimed at determining whether Armstrong and his teammates participated in a doping program. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:22:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208164-63-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Texas Rangers outfielder and recovering drug addict Josh Hamilton said Friday that he had a relapse that started with "three or four" drinks at a Dallas-area bar this week, apologizing for a "weak moment" and insisting he will try to make sure it doesn't happen again. Hamilton, 30, said his actions "are mine that hurt a lot of people very close to me." Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:17:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208158-136.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Spencer Levin took one last drag on his cigarette, stamped it out in the rough and climbed into the bunker behind the 17th green. He set up quickly, took a quick glance at the hole and splashed out. The ball landed about 10 feet from the hole, bounced twice and rolled into the cup for an eagle-2 that pushed him to 14-under par Friday in the second round of the Phoenix Open in Scotsdale, Ariz. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:13:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208165-275.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and coach Rick Carlisle were fined Friday by the NBA after they became upset with the officiating Wednesday in a 95-86 loss to Oklahoma City. Carlisle was fined $35,000 for kicking a ball into the stands with 9:34 left in the fourth quarter. He was ejected and apologized to Cuban and the fans right after the game. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:12:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208207-275-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml With LeBron James running the show, the Miami Heat ran the Philadelphia 76ers out of their building. Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, and James had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lift the Miami Heat to a 99-79 victory against Philadelphia at Well Fargo Center. Needing a jump-start in the fourth, James shifted to point guard, sparking a dominant late run that put away the pesky 76ers. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:11:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208209-61-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Sam Gagner was still having trouble Friday believing his name is in the Edmonton Oilers record book alongside the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey. Gagner moved himself into such lofty company with a club record-tying eight points Thursday night in host Edmonton's 8-4 win against the Chicago Blackhawks. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:10:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208129-169.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Matchup: Robert Morris (16-8, 7-4 NEC) at Mount St. Mary's (17-4, 8-2), 4 p.m. today, Knott Arena, Emmitsburg, Md. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:08:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208154-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Penguins center Joe Vitale maintains a particular perspective when it comes to his place in the NHL. "There's a lot of skill, a lot of talent in this league," he said Friday after practice at Southpointe. "God hasn't given me the most talent as far as that goes, so I feel like I have to work harder to kind of keep up and stand out a little bit. "It's been a good mentality so far. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208113-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml INDIANAPOLIS -- Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and other New York Giants receivers can't wait to go against the New Englands Patriots' Julian Edelman Sunday in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. And why not? Edelman, wide receiver-return man, also plays in the secondary, a position he's still learning. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208128-175-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Pitt fans can get ready for a basketball rivalry with Maryland and a renewal of the old Big East Conference football rivalries with Virginia Tech and Miami. Those are two of the highlights of the future scheduling formats the Atlantic Coast Conference approved Friday at its annual winter meetings. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208137-135.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Chuck Cooper was the first black player drafted by an NBA team, a history-making achievement that rests snugly alongside many others. Tonight, Duquesne honors his legacy. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208142-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml When the Penguins and Boston last met, Sidney Crosby was in the lineup for the Penguins, the Bruins were on a 13-0-1 roll, and the teams were the class of the Eastern Conference. That was Dec. 5 at Consol Energy Center. The Bruins won, 3-1, to climb to within a point of the first-place Penguins in the East. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208168-287-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The 28th Annual Corporate Cup Ski and Snowboard Race, featuring Olympic gold medalist Diann Roffe, will be Friday at Seven Springs. The event, a fundraiser for Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, has added a sporting clay shooting competition this year. Shooters will compete in individual and team categories. An individual shooter can participate for $250. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12035/1208200-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Basketball Box Scores Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207900-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The Atlantic Coast Conference announced scheduling formats which will be used when Pitt and Syracuse join the conference. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:59:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207904-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml INDIANAPOLIS -- Three decades after his Coke commercial won advertising's version of the Oscar, Joe Greene and his No. 75 Steelers jersey make a comeback in another Super Bowl spot on television. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:59:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207902-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Basketball Box Scores Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:12:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207898-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:55:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207805-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Hines Ward talked to Mike Tomlin on Monday at the Steelers facility on the South Side and to team president Art Rooney II earlier, letting them know he wants to play in 2012 in Pittsburgh. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 07:25:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207697-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Longtime high school basketball coach Al Campman emails a "fellowship message" to friends, family members and other acquaintances once a week, talking about how to deal with everything from hardships to life in general. His message this week was how to deal with four points, as in the scoring total for his Ellwood City team last Friday. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207704-361.stm?cmpid=sports.xml News and notes from the WPIAL and City League. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207705-117-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml No, The Dribbler wasn't motoring to Ambridge Sunday to revisit memories of Dick DeVenzio and Dennis Wuycik and the fabulous Bridgers of 1967. He wanted to appreciate the talents of Steven Adams, a 6-foot-11 New Zealander. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207706-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml A look at the names, numbers and more that make up the WPIAL's and City League's top basketball teams Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207712-365-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml It is not like Perry Hills and Tanner Garry need sessions on a couch with a shrink, but Hills and Garry do have an unusual split personality. In the fall, they are standout passing quarterbacks. In the winter, they are talented wrestlers. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207713-365.stm?cmpid=sports.xml High school senior football players across the country signed letters of intent with Division I and I-AA colleges Wednesday, but many juniors have scholarship offers from major colleges. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207721-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Take a group of talented but inexperienced players, add a three-headed monster and toss in a leader whose physical body -- and mind -- are (understandably) elsewhere. What have you got? The Jeannette boys basketball team. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207732-116-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207742-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml PG Basketball Rankings Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207744-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Boys Basketball Scoring Leaders Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207745-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Girls Basketball Scoring Leaders Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207802-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The helmet-to-helmet shot knocked Tony Dorsett out cold in the second quarter of a 1984 Dallas Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles game, the hardest hit he took in his Hall of Fame NFL career. "It was like a freight train hitting a Volkswagen," Dorsett says now. "Did they know it was a concussion?" he asks rhetorically in an interview with The Associated Press. "They thought I was half-dead." Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207806-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml One word from Giants special teams captain Zak DeOssie will begin Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. With more than 100 million people watching in the United States alone, the long snapper from New York, other Giants captains and their counterparts from New England will see referee John Parry display both sides of a special commemorative coin for the opening toss. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207807-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Picked on as a youth by other kids in Georgia because he is biracial, Hines Ward stands tall as someone who was able to overcome prejudice and bullying to find success. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207816-175-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Pitt coach Jamie Dixon had been fond of saying the past few years that the Big East Conference was the best conference in college basketball. He had even gone as far to say on a few occasions that it was the best conference in college basketball history. The Big East is not getting such high praise this season, from Dixon or anyone else. The conference that produced three No. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207819-61-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Circumstances dictated that it was time to make a move. The general manager had watched his team, studied his depth chart, and concluded he had no choice but to bring in a center. Especially because he had no way of knowing when the gifted young player considered a major piece of the franchise's foundation would make it into the lineup. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207830-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml While one of the top freshmen in WPIAL girls basketball lit it up Thursday, one of the best juniors did a little better. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, a junior, scored 25 points to lead Class AAA No. 3 Hopewell to a 61-53 home win against No. 2 Blackhawk in Section 2. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207833-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The NHL is investigating a scoreboard error Wednesday night in Los Angeles that could have an "enormous impact" on playoff races in the Western Conference. Near the end of the game at Staples Center, the clock briefly stopped in the closing seconds -- giving Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty enough time to score the winning goal in the Kings' 3-2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207836-139-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml He saved a young Cassius Clay when he was in trouble in England, convinced Sugar Ray Leonard that he could somehow overcome the fearsome Tommy Hearns. Angelo Dundee worked thousands of corners, and had just as many stories about fighters and the games they played in the ring. The best work of his life, though, may have been selling a sport that was often tough to sell. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207837-136.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Ryan Palmer parred his final hole at dusk for a 7-under 64 and the lead Thursday in the suspended first round of the Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Ariz. The start of the round was delayed an hour because of frost, and play was suspended because of darkness with 42 players unable to finish. A year ago, frost and frozen greens delayed play nine hours during the week, forcing a Monday finish. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207867-169.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Sophomore Latif Rivers matched his season high with 28 points while Wagner converted a season-high 34 free throws en route to a decisive 80-69 victory against Robert Morris. The sophomore guard had 17 points in the first half, when the Seahawks (18-4, 9-3 NEC) shot 60 percent (12 of 20) and led by as many as 17 points while taking a 44-30 lead at the break. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207868-275.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Derrick Rose scored 32 points to outduel Carmelo Anthony, and the Chicago Bulls beat the New York Knicks, 105-102, Thursday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. Rose had 15 in the fourth quarter and repeatedly answered when the Knicks rallied. With Chicago leading, 88-83, midway through the final period, the reigning MVP scored on three consecutive possessions. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12034/1207871-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Sweeping the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins is nice, but the Carolina Hurricanes would trade all four wins for a better spot in the standings. Cam Ward made 47 saves, 22 in the first period and 20 in the third, and Brandon Sutter had a goal and an assist Thursday night as the visiting Hurricanes finished their first season sweep of Boston with a 3-0 victory. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207763-358-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:45:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207748-213.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The PG's gridiron guru makes his pick on who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy come Sunday night ... Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:04:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207743-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The Pirates and Casey McGehee have an arbitration hearing scheduled for Feb. 16 if they cannot agree on terms of a contract before that time. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:55:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207549-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Jerry Olsavsky not only played nine seasons with the Steelers, he has spent the past two seasons as a defensive assistant on Mike Tomlin's staff. Had linebackers coach Keith Butler decided to go to Indianapolis as the Colts' defensive coordinator, Olsavsky, 43, would have been the likely candidate to replace him. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:53:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207403-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml It is hard to believe. It seems like just yesterday that school custodians were cleaning the dust off gym floors to get ready for the start of basketball season. Now, the WPIAL will conduct its basketball pairings meeting in 12 days. That means teams are into the stretch run for playoff spots for the WPIAL tournament that is scheduled to begin Feb. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:46:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207411-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml It is hard to believe. It seems like just yesterday that school custodians were cleaning the dust off gym floors to get ready for the start of basketball season. Now, the WPIAL will conduct its basketball pairings meeting in 12 days. That means teams are into the stretch run for playoff spots for the WPIAL tournament that is scheduled to begin Feb. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:45:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207695-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Basketball Box Scores Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:07:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207557-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml As letters of intent poured into college football offices via fax across the country, Penn State's new head coach sat at a table on the campus of another university in Indianapolis and looked at his cell phone. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 06:03:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207599-143-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Perhaps no major college football program in the country faced a bigger recruiting challenge than Penn State. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 05:42:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207622-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The Penguins have been living on the edge lately. A lot. Just about every time they reported for work, really. And when a team spends enough time on the edge -- as the Penguins had done by going to overtime or a shootout in five of their previous six games -- it eventually falls off. Like the Penguins did in a 1-0 loss to Toronto Wednesday night at the Air Canada Centre. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 01:13:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207594-169.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Less than an hour after Robert Morris' 81-68 loss against St. Francis Saturday night, staff members already were setting up a projector and computer for a late-night film session. The Colonials watched the whole game, and coach Andy Toole said he was not surprised by what he saw. "We talked about some things I saw on the sideline. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207354-365-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Kevin Hart finished his career at Seton-LaSalle High School as one of the most productive offensive players in the program's history. He'll now try to bring that productivity to his next school, the College of William & Mary. Hart has committed to William & Mary, an NCAA Division I-AA program located in Williamsburg, Va. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207355-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml It's safe to say that Serra Catholic didn't exactly start the season the way coach Vince Gibbons wanted. The Eagles went 3-4 out of the gate. Some of the losses were close -- a two-point loss to Riverview and a three-point defeat at Sewickley Academy -- and others were not, namely a 20-point loss to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207358-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml In terms of experience, the West Mifflin Area High School boys basketball team had little when the season commenced. The Titans had to replace four starters, including the school's all-time leading scorer, and a promising underclassman. Only one letterman returned from last year's section champion, and that player missed the first four games of this season with an injury. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207361-365-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Over the past half-century, there has been a general trend of population migration from Pittsburgh to points south and west. Recently when it comes to Division I football recruits, there's been a trend of some of the area's top players heading about four hours to the west. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207362-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Imagine a mother and daughter talking in an airport. Now, imagine they're talking about how to defend the back screen. For Agnus and Chrissy Berenato, this scene has really happened. "We'll draw up a play and other people will have no clue what we're talking about," says Chrissy. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207363-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml It's safe to say that Serra Catholic didn't exactly start the season the way coach Vince Gibbons wanted. The Eagles went 3-4 out of the gate. Some of the losses were close -- a two-point loss to Riverview and a three-point defeat at Sewickley Academy -- and others were not, namely a 20-point loss to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207365-364-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The annual PIHL All-Star Games were played two Sundays ago, but to see a virtual who's who of high school hockey players from the East Xtra area on a weekly basis, there's another option. The Allegheny Badgers U18 AA travel team is one of the top Tier II programs for its age group in the nation. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207366-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml By the time Jordan Seneca went down with a fractured nose during a game on Saturday night, nobody on the Plum girls' basketball team was about to panic. Seneca was head butted in the nose during a scramble for a loose ball. She had to watch the rest of the game from the bench holding an ice pack on her face and she will likely miss two weeks. This happened in the 18th game of the season. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207398-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Jim Dudas likes to make things tough on his Quaker Valley girls basketball team in non-section games by scheduling some of the better teams in the area. And then all of a sudden four of his top six players were knocked out of the lineup and things were that much tougher. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207401-365-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Lou Cerro has been a high school head football coach in Western Pennsylvania for 18 years, so one would figure by now he should have a good idea what college coaches are looking for in a player. Nope. "I still shake my head sometimes," Cerro said. The recruitment of quarterback Dillon Buechel has given Cerro the shakes this season. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207402-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Zach Challingsworth heard the talk on the street this past summer: South Fayette had a lot of starters graduate and wouldn't be that good come winter. "We took that to heart," he said. "That just made us work that much harder." For those who haven't been paying attention, South Fayette is again a good basketball team. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207405-365-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Every high school football player who goes through the Division I recruiting experience can come away with a different story. Some embrace and enjoy the process; others loathe it and can't wait to get it over with. For reasons completely out of his control, Shaler Area's J.P. Holtz has had one of the more unpredictable and tumultuous recruiting sagas. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207407-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The St. Joseph High School boys basketball team reached some lofty heights last season with a 20-4 overall record, a co-championship with Serra Catholic in WPIAL Section 4-A and a solid effort that fell short in a 71-66 loss to Lincoln Park Academy in the WPIAL Class A tournament quarterfinals. For 13-year St. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207410-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Some games, the Knoch boys basketball team looks like it is capable of a deep run in the WPIAL playoffs. Others, it appears as if it would be lucky to avoid the Section 1-AAA cellar. Some halves, the Knights play like a polished team; then for a quarter, it will revert back to its inconsistent ways. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207550-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Pittsburgh has found its way into playing an important part in the Super Bowl on Sunday even though the Steelers did not make it. Two of the seven-man crew of game officials, announced Wednesday, hail from the Pittsburgh area -- head linesman Tom Stabile and back judge Tony Steratore. Stabile and Steratore have each worked nine playoff games in their careers. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207555-365-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Alabama's recruiting is going the same way as the team's fortunes on the field. The Crimson Tide keeps ending up No. 1. Coach Nick Saban put together another stellar recruiting class that is ranked No. 1 in the country by most scouting services and recruiting gurus. Rivals.com ranked Alabama's class of 27 players No. 1 for the fourth time in five years. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207569-136.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Robert Garrigus saw no reason to stick around for the finish. He had watched enough of the final round at Torrey Pines to see that Kyle Stanley, whom he described as "exploding with talent," had a three-shot lead and was headed for a sure win. Garrigus left for the spa to get a massage. It did not take long for him to figure out what had happened. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207570-63-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The Pirates signed right-hander Juan Cruz to a minor league contract and offered him an invitation to spring training. Cruz, 33, pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011. He went 5-0 with a 3.88 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, pitching 482/3 innings in 56 relief appearances. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207581-144-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml A judge has refused to stay West Virginia University's lawsuit against the Big East while the conference's countersuit plays out in Rhode Island. Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Russell Clawges says staying the lawsuit until Rhode Island's courts decide the other case won't promote the interests of justice. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207586-143.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Trey Burke scored 18 points, and No. 23 Michigan raced to a 20-point, first-half lead before holding on for a 68-56 victory against visiting No. 20 Indiana. The Wolverines (17-6, 7-3 Big Ten) remained unbeaten at home. They got off to a quick start after last weekend's loss at No. 3 Ohio State, scoring the first 13 points and eventually taking a 28-8 lead. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207588-135-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml That big, elusive road win was finally Duquesne's Wednesday night. The Dukes shot lights out from the perimeter in the first half, penetrated the basket as well as they have all season and hung on with their defense for an 83-73 win at the University of Dayton Arena. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207589-175.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Hollis Thompson regained his shooting touch with 18 points, and No. 14 Georgetown held Connecticut to season lows in scoring and shooting in a 58-44 victory Wednesday night, the Huskies' fourth consecutive loss. Thompson went 7 for 15 from the field and grabbed nine rebounds. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207591-135-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Something had to give with St. Bonaventure and Duquesne women's basketball teams on so many streaks, It seemed to be appropriate that they played a streaky game with visiting St. Bonaventure outlasting Duquesne, 58-53, in an Atlantic 10 Conference matchup Wednesday night at Palumbo Center. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207593-275.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Andre Iguodala helped the Philadelphia 76ers stamp themselves as a rising threat in the East, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a 98-82 victory against the visiting Chicago Bulls. Iguodala outplayed Derrick Rose and stuffed a month's worth of highlight video activity into one game. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207598-233.stm?cmpid=sports.xml His first game is still seven months away, but Pitt coach Paul Chryst cleared his first major hurdle Wednesday when 16 high school seniors signed national letters of intent to play for the Panthers next season. For the second season in a row, Pitt had to hold a recruiting class together through a postseason coaching change. Chryst was hired Dec. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207600-144.stm?cmpid=sports.xml There is a bit of uncertainty around the West Virginia football program these days. Lawsuits that will determine the Mountaineers' football conference for the upcoming season have yet to be resolved, and longtime defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel left the program last month to take the same job at Arizona under former boss Rich Rodriguez. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207615-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Henrik Lundqvist stopped 34 shots for his 41st career shutout and sixth of the season and the Sabres' Ryan Miller made 29 saves for his second shutout this season as the Rangers won a five-round shootout, 1-0, at First Niagara Center. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207616-61-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Center is, on paper, the Penguins' deepest position. Fact is, they have the finest collection of centers in the NHL. When it is intact, anyway. It has not been very often over the past two seasons, however, which is why the Penguins claimed Cal O'Reilly from Phoenix on re-entry waivers Wednesday. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12033/1207631-55-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Peters police Chief Harry Fruecht Wednesday announced that he has ended an investigation into allegations that student athletes were "forced to play with injuries" and said he will take no further action. "The police department has been unable to support these allegations with fact," Chief Fruecht said. "So we're done with it." Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207573-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml TORONTO -- Clarke MacArthur scored late in the third period to give Toronto a 1-0 victory against the Penguins at the Air Canada Centre tonight. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 22:33:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207547-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml DAYTON, Ohio -- Duquesne picked up a critical road win Wednesday night, hanging on to defeat Dayton 83-73 at University of Dayton Arena. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:18:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207538-66.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The Steelers are faced with the possibility of losing another young coach from Mike Tomlin's staff. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:30:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207219-142-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml A list of high school players and their college choices: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:06:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207255-449-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Freshman Anthony Davis had 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 blocked shots as top-ranked Kentucky beat Tennessee, 69-44, Tuesday night in a Southeastern Conference showdown at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., to extend the Wildcats' home winning streak to 48 games. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:38:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207518-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- New Penn State coach Bill O'Brien completed his first recruiting class today by signing 19 players to national letters of intent. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:34:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207503-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The Steelers have issued a release on behalf of Kirby Wilson's family, updating the condition of the team's running backs coach. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:25:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207477-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia football coach Dana Holgorsen signed 26 student-athletes to letters of intent on national signing day. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:40:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207373-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml TORONTO -- The Penguins claimed center Cal O'Reilly off re-entry waivers from Phoenix today. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 15:28:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207396-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Sixteen high school seniors officially signed to play for Pitt Wednesday, completing incoming coach Paul Chryst's first recruiting class. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:06:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207395-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The Pirates signed right-hander Juan Cruz to a minor league contract and offered him an invitation to spring training, the team announced Wednesday. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:59:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207394-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml INDIANAPOLIS -- Pittsburgh has found its way into playing an important part in Sunday's Super Bowl game even though the Steelers did not make it. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:55:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207392-139-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Jerry takes your questions in his weekly online forum. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:27:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207380-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Penguins center Evgeni Malkin was named the NHL's No. 2 star for the month of January. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:58:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207372-100.stm?cmpid=sports.xml WEST DEPTFORD, N.J. -- In late December, West Deptford (N.J.) defensive tackle Jamil Pollard became the first player to commit to Penn State since the Jerry Sandusky scandal began in early November. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:21:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207370-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Basketball Box Scores Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:06:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207292-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Down. Yes. Out? Not quite. The Penguins returned from the All-Star break and pulled off a wild comeback Tuesday night, beating the Toronto Maple Leafs, 5-4, in a shootout after trailing by three goals in the third period. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 07:21:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207265-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Sidney Crosby was reluctant to share stories with his teammates about his weekend. While they had several days off or played in the NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa, the Penguins captain was again addressing the health issues that have troubled him the past 13 months. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 07:20:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207230-66.stm?cmpid=sports.xml For all the things that are still up in the air, Peyton Manning is certain about this much: He isn't ready to retire yet. "I have no plans on doing that," he said. An iron man for 13 seasons, he's struggling to recover from three neck surgeries over the course of 19 months. "My plan hasn't changed. I'm on track with what the doctors have told me to do, and I'm doing that. I'm rehabbing hard." Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207231-66.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Former Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley, an Upper St. Clair native, is the latest candidate to interview for the Steelers' vacant offensive coordinator position. But the possibility of him being hired to replace Bruce Arians seems remote. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207232-66.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Plotting how to keep quarterback Tom Brady out of the clutches of the New York Giants' fearsome pass rushers will occupy most of Bill O'Brien's waking hours this week, and who knows how many of his dreams. But it's not his only worry. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207233-66-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml It's Brady vs. Manning again, a pairing that evokes comparisons from the past such as ... Brady vs. Manning, the Peyton version. Or, on the historical stage that will be the Super Bowl, Staubach vs. Bradshaw and Kelly vs. Aikman. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207257-135.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Duquesne senior guard Eric Evans knows what a handful Dayton's Kevin Dillard can be to guard. He faced him for three years in AAU basketball in Detroit and has seen on tape how far his game has evolved. The Dukes (12-9, 3-4 Atlantic 10 Conference) face the Flyers tonight in a daunting road test that marks the halfway point in the league schedule. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207259-175.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Ten days ago the only way the Pitt Panthers were going to the NCAA tournament was by scoring tickets to second- and third-round games that will be played at Consol Energy Center. On Jan. 21, after a 73-62 home loss to Louisville, the Panthers were 0-7 in Big East Conference play and their hopes of making an 11th consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament appeared all but dead. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207271-132.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Danica Patrick will be guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500 via a partnership with Tommy Baldwin Racing. TBR officially will field Patrick's No. 10 Chevrolet in all 10 of her Sprint Cup Series races this season. It will begin the season with the points Dave Blaney earned in 2011 for the No. 36 car. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207276-61-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml David Clarkson scored the tying goal for New Jersey in the final minute of regulation, and Ilya Kovalchuk netted the only goal in the shootout as the Devils snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory against the visiting New York Rangers Tuesday night. Kovalchuk had the first attempt in the shootout and beat New York backup Martin Biron between the pads. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207277-233.stm?cmpid=sports.xml New Pitt coach Paul Chryst hired Inoke Breckterfield as defensive line coach, the university announced Tuesday. He previously worked as defensive line coach at UCLA, Montana and Weber State. Breckterfield was an All-Pacific-10 Conference defensive end at Oregon State and was named the league's defensive lineman of the year in 1998, his senior season. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207278-63.stm?cmpid=sports.xml The Cleveland Indians added an MVP to their roster, and a possible replacement at first base. Cleveland acquired versatile Russ Canzler, the top player in the International League last season, Tuesday from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207279-275.stm?cmpid=sports.xml Paul Pierce scored 20 points, Ray Allen had 12 in the third quarter and the Boston Celtics avenged a disappointing loss to Cleveland two days ago by barely holding off the host Cavaliers, 93-90, Tuesday night. The Celtics, who blew an 11-point lead at home Sunday in the final four minutes and lost by one, led by 22 late in the third quarter. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207281-361-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml With his team fighting for a playoff spot, Nate Snodgrass had one of the most memorable games of his career. Snodgrass scored 42 points -- including the 1,000th of his career -- to lead host Butler to an 81-60 victory Tuesday against North Allegheny in Class AAAA Section 3. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207296-87-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml In a conference room Tuesday night high above the Consol Energy Center ice, Penguins general manager Ray Shero and upbeat superstar Sidney Crosby spoke hopefully about the future but stopped well short of predicting when it might arrive. At the same time, the other Penguins players prepared to play the Toronto Maple Leafs in the here and now. It was business as usual for them. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207297-61-0.stm?cmpid=sports.xml At least one thing did not change over the NHL's All-Star break: Goalie Brent Johnson was in his usual position at the end of the Penguins bench Tuesday when their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs began at Consol Energy Center. Marc-Andre Fleury made his 23rd consecutive appearance - all but two of them as a starter - to extend the longest such streak of his career. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500