Embarassing ...

Game four of the NBA playoffs was a complete disaster for the Lakers this time around. They played the Houston Rockets and lost terribly, the scored ended at 99-87. The most shocking part about the loss is the fact that the Rockets best player Yao Ming didn't play. What exactly were the Lakers doing, they couldn't have been playing basketball.

Photo: Los Angeles Times

The LA Times feel as though the Lakers got out what they put in, in game four. In fact they were very disgusted with the Lakers performance and made comments such as, "Usually, I type 900 words, but, in the spirit of a team that fell behind 19-4 before breaking a sweat, I'm giving you less than half of that."The OC Register reports the Lakers efforts in game four to be "horrendous," but points out Houston's lead of 17 points within the first half of the game, while Lakers have their four points. ESPN quotes Phil Jackson in warning his team not to be too confident because of Yao's absence, "I don't want my players to think it's going to be an easy battle tonight," he said before the game. "It's not going to be easy." It was also stated that Yao will be missing the rest of the Houston's campaign due to a hairline fracture in his left foot. But fortunately he was able to watch the game from the sidelines.

UC Irvine takes the NCAA volleyball title ...

UC Irvine won the NCAA volleyball title after winning their game against USC. Irvine had a ton of support in the crowd, approximately 3,015 people from their student body were in the stands.

ESPN reports that Ammerman of UC Irvine was elected as the tournaments most valuable player, after sticking out a rough junior season. He had six kills, 12 blocking assist, and one solo block in today's game. According to the OC Register Irvine's coach Speraw attempts to ensure that people know their 2007 win was not just by luck, "This shows that 2007 wasn't just lightning striking," Speraw added. "Any program can win one (championship) with the right recruiting class, a couple of transfers and a few breaks in the playoffs. To get to three national championships and win two of them shows we have something special here." LA Times elaborates on how proud Speraw is of his team's win, "That was an epic battle," UC Irvine Coach John Speraw said. "I think people could be talking about that match for a very, very long time."

Ouch!

Game 3

Unfortunately Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets was injured this game, he allegedly has a sore left foot, that of which could possibly be broken, and Artest was ejected from the game with 43.6 seconds left. But onto better news, the Lakers won with a score of 108-94, and Derek Fisher returned to the scenes.
Photo: ESPN

The OC Register pointed out Kobe's 33 point score, as he blocked two shots against 7-foot-6 Yoa Ming. They also state that, "With 43.6 seconds left Artest brought back the tenor of Game 2 and was ejected for a type-two flagrant foul when he flattened Pau Gasol with a hard and high hit." ESPN reports Kobe's 3-pointer from 33 feet at the end of the third quarter. The LA Times clarifies that the foul Artest made on Pau Gasol was downgraded from a one-game suspension to a flagarant one. Meaning he will play in Game 4.

Another Reason to Tune In

Look who has attended the NCAA tournament. Gotta snag me a ticket!!

 photo: OC register

Anyways...Back to sports. The LA times discussed a succesful defensive game played by the Lakers 117, Bulls 109. And the main topic of discussion: The key players weren't... KOBE. He sat out and "struggled" on the floor. Looks like the Lakers can manage without him. Or maybe the Bulls just didn't have it going on that night. There's also alot of chatter about the Laker's "bench mob". According to the LA Times, ESPN's 710 podcast was discussing this group of seat warmers who were rather impressive, but it wasn't enough to being home the cheese. But the other nights game did give them a little more status.

ESPN.com thinks the Lakers have a shot, but there are some major contenders this year, including there own mates the Los Angeles Clippers ( who beat the Boston Celtics 90-77)

Shakey Future for UCLA

ok, ok, Back to B-ball

As Brandon mentioned earlier, UCLA's performance this season has not been up to par.

After an early exit from the NCAA tournament, their coach is trying to regroup and focus on next season. LA Times quoted coach Ben Howland saying, "We've got a lot of work to do."

You can say that again. Next year they will only have 3 seniors (assuming they don't sign with the NBA)

and the rest will be sophomores. It looks like the Bruins and the Kings have more in common than I thought. 

In the same article, LA Times noted that Coach Howland warned everyone,

"the 2008-9 Bruins were neither as deep nor as experiences as the teams that reached the previous three Final Four."

And the team agrees. Forward Drew Gordon told the LA Times, "Everybody's doubting us right now. We're young. We're inexperienced."

Villanova coach, Jay Wright, told an ESPN reporter, "We have so much respect for the UCLA tradition...you get fired up to play a team like that."

The Orange County Register has been following the team and predicted their defeat, saying "history would not be their aly" on March 15. With all the respect UCLA has, it's sad they can't live up to the hype.

-Nicole DeJesus

What about Hockey?

Keeping up with Kings

Ya ya ya...during the month of March basketball always steals the show. But what about all the ruthless toothless hockey players? With less than a month to go before the playoffs the Kings have some major catching up to do. Let it be known that this year's Kings are one of the youngest teams ever. Here are the kids current stats: (30-32-10).

According to ESPN.com their game against the Chicago Blackhawks left them hurting after anoter 4-1 defeat. The Kings also lost 4-1 last week to the Pittsburg Penguins. But, what's got them down? In an interview by the LA Times, they're coach Terry Murray said he thinks it's got something to do with inexperience. And Chicago's coach told ESPN that they were desperate for a win. I think what we have here is a classic case of the underdogs. Or maybe you gotta lose some to win some. But if LA isn't careful... they could get pucked :)

MEANWHILE... The OC Register reported some major foul play going on. The Ducks right wing, Corey Perry accused Sharks goaltender of Evgeni Nobokov of using his skate to kick him in the arm after play had stopped late in the third period. "Everything was over," Perry said. "I was still lying there on my knees. All of the sudden, Nabokov just turned and kicked me."

Those hockey guys sure are brutal. But Perry is no prince charming, he was suspended in January from four games for elbowing Philly Flyers rookie, Claude Giroux, in the head.

-Nicole DeJesus

Basketball on the Brain

Both the LA Times and ESPN cover USC's victory over Boston College earlier today. USC beat Boston College in a decisive 72-55 win. The LA Times highlights USC's Taj Gibson and his better than average performance. He was a hundred percent going shooting 10-10 for 24 points. At one point USC was behind by seven points and then led by Gibson went on an 11-0 run to turn the game around. 

ESPN's depiction of the game was very similar to that of the LA Times. Gibson's performance and perfect shooting was the essence of the article. It also gave little credit to the top performers on the Boston College side. The article was concluded with a breakdown of the type of breakthrough play that helped USC to a victory. 

Finally, the OC Register took a turn from the March madness hype and took a look into the playoffs and championships for Orange County high schools. The OC Register's article gave insight to the upcoming championship game with Orange County's Brea-Olinda girl's basketball. It is a California Interscholatic Federation (CIF) Division II championship game.

photo by Robert Gauthier/ LA Times

-Brandon Mc.

The Insanity Ensues...

March Madness has officially begun and the buzz over it is enormous. Major sports channels are giving updates as soon as they are recorded to make sure that all those paying close attention to their brackets have the information as quick as possible. To no surprise, the LA Times, OC Register and ESPN's main topics are all revolving around the happenings with College Basketball's tournament.

 The LA Times coverage of the California teams are based around USC, UCLA, and UC Berkely (Cal). It notes the first round loss that Cal suffered and now they will be watching the rest of the tournament from home due to single-game elimination. They predict that the prestigious UCLA will possibly suffer the same fate. UCLA's performance during the season was enough to get them into the tournament but not the kind of play that fans are used to seeing and definitely not the kind that will get them far in the tournament. This is not the team that has made an appearance in the past four Final Fours. Finally, the Times believes that UCLA's long time rival, USC, will be the one to make it out of the first round out of these three teams.

The OC Register's coverage of California teams in the tournament was somewhat similar to that of the LA Times. The story covered USC and their "X-Factor" in Marcus Simmons. The story gives a deeper look into the depth of the team and their potential road to and through the tournament.

Finally, ESPN follows in suit with the coverage of the idea that UCLA, a team that has been to the semifinals (Final Four) repeatedly will not make it past the first round of the tounament this year. Due to their less than usual performance during the season it makes for a better decision for some to pick their opponents, Virginia Commonwealth. 

photo by Robet Gauthier/LA Times

-Brandon Mc

March Madness

It's March and the madness has already begun. Whether it be spring training for baseball, the road to the playoffs for the NBA, or the "big dance" for college basketball sports fans across the nation can feel the excitement. 

The hot topic around sports right now is basketball. The top sports story reported by the LA Times was the Lakers' disappointing loss to the 76ers. The gave a look into how the Lakers, arguably the best team in the league, are now in second place standings-wise. It also highlights how the Lakers are "lose-the-lead" team meaning that they build a large lead early and tend to lose that lead at the end of the game. The Lakers have a few points to improve on if they want to stay on top and win a championship.

Continuing on the topic of top teams in basketball, the OC Register goes away from the popular college and professional basketball stories and focuses on the high school teams that are topping state rankings. The high school rankings are shaken up due to No. 1 seeds losing recent games.

Finally, ESPN's top story on California sports diverts its attention from basketball but turns to the media frenzy surrounding updates with Manny Ramirez of the LA Dodgers. Although Manny Ramirez suffered a minor injury during his first days of spring training this story covered him having a good time trying his hand at cricket. Not much to this story but a comical relief from the intensity that accompanies Manny's every move.

-Brandon M.

Work to Do

By: Sabrina Maharaj

ESPN reported that Dodger Manny Ramirez will be restricted to hitting after injuring his left hamstring during Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. Manager Joe Torre admitted that it was a mistake to play his star slugger in the outfield who signed a two-year contract for $45 million on March 4. Ramirez who is ready to get back on the field will not return “until his soreness is completely gone.”

The OC Register led with UCLA’s tough look ahead into the big NCAA tournament. After losing to USC, the Bruins need to get in the right mindset if they plan on winning and making it any further. Some key tips for the Bruins:

1. Jrue Holiday needs to find his mojo.
Holiday is the team’s second best dribbler and play maker, “but his confidence is shot.” Averaging 27 minutes a game, Holiday’s performance on the court has not been living up to his name.

2. Four of these players need to step up.

The article went on to say that "forward Josh Shipp is playing the best basketball of his career. Point guard Darren Collison was UCLA's most consistent player. And center Alfred Aboya and forward Nikola Dragovic made the most of their opportunities and found ways to complement the first two." UCLA played Holiday in addition to four of its veteran players who haven't made the impact that the Bruins need. Substitutions of one these players just might be what the Bruins need.

3. They must respect their opponent.

UCLA played its opponents as if they knew they were going to win. They should come prepared to play as if they are playing the number one team in the nation.

The LA Times led with Cal State Northridge's big dilemma regarding the team's star player. Jeffrey Braswell, son of coach Bobby Braswell had to appear in court for felony theft and burglary charges Sunday morning. Jeffrey Braswell invited friends to his Best Buy job on New Year's Day and used another employee's security code to check out items amounting more than $6,600. The Matador's leading scorer Deon Tresvant was also involved in the case and will join younger Braswell to watch their team from home. "It's very devastating," Tresvant said. "I'd love to be with my team, but at this point, I can't."The guys deserve it. At the same time, I wish I was out there."

Photos: Kevin Sullivan/ The Orange County Register and

Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press

From Lakers to Dodgers

By: Sabrina Maharaj

The OC Register led with former Laker teammate Smush Parker trash talking Kobe Bryant. “The problems with that team start with him and end with him,” said Parker. Parker who now plays for the Southern Tigers in the Chinese basketball league gained much of his exposure playing alongside Bryant.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Lakers center Andrew Bynum will return this season, and he guarantees it. Bynum suffered a torn medical collateral ligament in his right knee on January 31 after colliding with Kobe Bryant. Bynum was scheduled to return sometime in April, but there was no specific date set just yet.

ESPN pointed out that Manny Ramirez will be resting for a week during spring training games due to his hamstring injury. While playing in the outfield on Sunday, Ramirez injured his already sore left hamstring. “While chasing Troy Tulowitzki's fourth-inning double into the left-field corner, Ramirez felt his hamstring grab.” Ramirez will be taking it easy, but will continue to train.

Photos: Google Images

Lakers—Best in the West?

By: Sabrina Maharaj

The Lakers managed to regain composure beating the Dallas Mavericks 107-100. The Lakers dominated the Mavericks ending the second quarter 66-54, but the Mavericks weren’t going to let the Lakers off the hook that easy. The OC Register reported that the Lakers learned a lesson today after blowing a 15-point lead in the third quarter. As the Los Angeles Times described it, the Lakers “were stymied by the Mavericks' zone defense and settled for too many three-point attempts in the second half, making only three of 14.”

Midway into the third quarter, the Lakers were now down 81-66. ESPN reported that both teams had mostly reserves on the court during the third quarter, but “when Bryant and the other Lakers starters returned early in the fourth, Los Angeles went on a 12-0 spurt of its own.” Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 29 points, Trevor Ariza with a career-high of 26 points and a huge contribution on defense, as well as Pao Gasol who had 25 points. With a comeback like this, the Lakers should be on the path to a rewarding season.

Photo: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Time

Manny makes his most anticapated return

By Mykell Mathieu
The Dodgers managed to win this waited game against the Texas Rangers 4-3. According to OC Register, After the game Manny Ramirez was surrounded by reporters. He was surrounded and talked about his day with two walks and a single.

What he did in the game wasn't the matter but that the slugger was actually on the field was. It was the first time he was on the field since signing his two-year $45 million contract which he can void after the first year. It was also important because Manny had missed the game a day earlier due to an hamstring injury. After this game he told LA Times reporters that he felt fine. According to ESPN His teammates and manager noticed that his time was a little off. He is working himself back into shape after the time off. The Dodgers are looking to win a World Series after their great success last year. All of the success starts and ends with Manny Ramirez and his big bat.

UCLA and USC will have their third epic battle when they faceoff in the Pac-10 tournament semifinal

By. Mykell Mathieu
OC Register
UCLA has won five straight with the victory over Wazzu in the quarterfinals. UCLA controlled the game from the start. The team was led by its terrfic senior point guard Darren Collison with 15 points to win 64-53. Thr Bruins gave full energy and out-toughed the Cougars. UCLA avenged their one point lose at home to Washington State. The only time this game was close was in the closing minutes. Now the Bruins will be looking to make it three straight this year versus cross-town rival USC Trojans to make the Pac-10 tourney final.

LA Times
The Trojans hold on to upset Cal 79-75. The Trojans put together a full game of work. Fabolous freshmen Demar DeRozan continues to improve and scored 17 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Junior Taj Gibson also put in a great game with 21 points and 16 rebounds. USC really needs every win if they want to ensure themselves of a NCAA Tournament bid. The Trojans had a 15 point lead going into halftime but Cal had the game tied with 20 seconds left to play. Junior guard Daniel Hackett secured the win by drawing a foul and making two free throws with 3.8 seconds. The Trojans now get their most anticapated rematch with the Bruins in the semifinals of the Pac-10 tourney.

ESPN
With 30 Pac-10 championships and 11 NCAA tournament titles, UCLA is the most celebrated basketball program in the nation. It's cross-town rival USC not so much. UCLA looks to improve its NCAA tourney seeding while USC is trying to make its bid to play in it. The Trojans hope to make a win tonight its signature game. UCLA is trying to make it three wins against its rival. These teams really know each other because the players have been playing against each other since high school. They both would love nothing more then ruining their counter parts seeding in the NCAA tournament or keep them from playing in it. What a great game this clash can turn out to be.

Lakers win a much needed game in Houston against the Rockets

By Mykell Mathieu
According to LA Times this was a game the Lakers needed to win. The Lakers had lost three consecutive games on the road. Both teams were missing at least one star of their team; Lakers (Andrew Bynum), Rockets(Tracy McGrady). But the Lakers were also missing Lamar Odom who was suspended for leaving the bench during an altercation between the Lakers and the Blazers.

The game did not start off so well for the Lakers stated by ESPN. The team struggled shooting early and allowed the Rockets to score with ease. The Lakers trailed 51-40 at half. Kobe Bryant was held to only six points in the first half. In the second half it was a new game. Bryant really went off by scoring 31 points in this half and 18 in the fourth quarter alone. According to the OC Register made a great comeback led by Bryant and a complete team effort to win 102-96. Bryant and Houston's Ron Artest were jawing at each other the entire half. A scuffle between the two occurred in the fourth quarter. Though Rockets were getting points from there supporting players their star Yao Ming only had 16 points. This win really showed what Bryant and the Lakers are made of. If they can give an effort like they did in the second half and with the return of Bynum I see no reason why the Lakers can't win a championship.