Murray State keeps balance in upset
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As the pep band played and the alums shrieked and thousands of fans in northern California cheered what now is sure to be their adopted team for the weekend, Murray State guard B.J. Jenkins sprinted the length of the floor to pile on teammate Danero Thomas.
Thomas’ jumper at the buzzer had just turned San Jose into upset city and Jenkins wasn’t about to sit out the celebration.
“Nah, nah, I was all the way in that,” Jenkins said of the pile of Racers players celebrating their 66-65 victory over fourth-seeded Vanderbilt in the first round of the West Regional. “That’s Danero Thomas.”
Jenkins had given the program a scare when he sliced his finger cutting down the nets after the Racers beat Morehead State to win the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Bad things can happen in a pile of humanity, but Jenkins was willing to take his chances.
“Let the madness begin,” Murray State coach Billy Kennedy said.
That Thomas was at the bottom of that pile was only fitting. Read more
American Idol Top 12 Finalists Sing Rolling Stones Songs, March 16
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The American Idol top 12 finalists sing Rolling Stones covers in the March 16 show – check out the recap of what each of the finalists sing. Who was your favorite?
Michael Lynche – talks about growing up and being a football player, the death of his mom, and how music saved him. We get to see the new baby! Big Mike sings “Miss You” – Randy said he wasn’t so crazy when the arrangement started, but said Mike slayed it. Ellen said it was the way to start the night, amazing. Kara said he delivered tonight, was hot on stage. Simon said the dancing was corny, but he sang it well; verging at times as desperate. Read more
Shantina Smiley and 8-Year-Old Son Missing, Van Abandoned (PICTURES)
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Shantina Smiley was “beyond lost” on a trip to her stepfather’s house when she and her 8-year-old son Azriel Carver wound up on the backroads of Washington state, authorities said Monday.
The minivan driven by Smiley was found partially submerged on a private Puget Sound beach with its doors open. A wallet containing the 29-year-old’s driver’s license, cash and credit cards was found in the van, but not Shantina or her son.
“Apparently she got stuck and abandoned the car,” said Lt. Chris Mealy of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. There was no indication, he said, that a crime took place inside the 2005 Dodge Caravan. Read more
Ovechkin Suspended Two Games By NHL
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The NHL announced Monday that Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is suspended for two games following his hit Sunday in Chicago on Brian Campbell 12:16 into the 1st Period. The Capitals won 4-3 in OT. Ovechkin will forfeit $232,645.40 and is now considered a repeat offender for his earlier suspension for kneeing on November 30 on Carolina’s Tim Gleason (and his boarding major / game misconduct on Buffalo’s Patrick Kaleta on November 25 for which he was not suspended).
As Campbell was getting rid of the puck by his own net, Ovechkin shoved him into the boards. Campbell collapsed, and Ovechkin tripped over him. Ovechkin was given a boarding major and game misconduct. Campbell suffered a broken clavicle and broken ribs, though he seemed well enough all things considered when he sat up, and was further evaluated by the team’s medical staff Monday. Read more
Todd Lickliter fired as Iowa basketball coach
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Iowa’s new basketball coach must play an entertaining style attractive not only to the athletes, but also to fans, says former Hawkeye star Kenyon Murray.
“Someone who likes to play up-and-down, with some half court pressure and some trapping,” said Murray, who played for the Hawkeyes during the 1990s and who analyzes games for the Big Ten Network.
Someone, he says, whose style is similar to former coach Tom Davis. Someone like Providence coach Keno Davis to replace Todd Lickliter, who athletic director Gary Barta fired Monday?
Who should replace Lickliter as Iowa coach?
“His father had an attractive style to everyone – from the fans to the players,” Murray said. “Keno – he certainly has all the Iowa ties in that respect.
“He’s got that up-and-down style. A guy like Keno would be great.”
Style of play is just part of what Barta will consider when searching for a replacement to Lickliter, who had a 38-58 record in three seasons. This includes a school-record 22 losses this season.
He’s also looking for someone to interact with the community, recruit players who can compete successfully in the conference, and someone who gets people back to Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where attendance dipped to an actual average of 5,160 per game last season. Read more
