10232018 SPORTS

SPORTS SECTION E

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018

ATP FINALS, Page 5

BUDDY HIELD CANS 17 IN 2ND STRAIGHT GAME TO HELP KINGS GET THEIR FIRST WIN OF SEASON

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net BUDDY Hield is off to an efficient shooting start to his third NBA season and continues to play well in the state of Oklahoma whenever he returns to the state of his collegiate stardom.

Hield scored 17 points for the second consecutive game to help the Kings to their first victory of the 2018-19 season - a 131-120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Sunday night.

He shot 6-11 from the field, 2-4 from three-point range, a perfect 3-3 from the line and added five rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes.

Hield received an ovation during pregame introductions from the Oklahoma crowd, indicative of his strong connections to the Sooners’ faithful for his tenure that concluded with the Naismith Award in his

SEE PAGE 2

Miller-Uibo nominated for athlete of the year

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

n what has been a “fun year” with the focus more on the 200 metres, Shaunae MillerUibo has emerged as one of the nominees for the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) Female Athlete of the Year award.

On Monday, Miller-Uibo was on a list of 10 athletes selected by an international panel of athletics executives, made up of representatives from all six continental areas of the IAAF. Based on a voting procedure, the winner will be announced during the IAAF Athletics Awards 2018 in Monaco on Tuesday, December 4.

I

The other nominees are Dina Asher-Smith, Great Britain’s European champion and world leader at 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay, Beatrice Chepkoech, Kenya’s world steeplechase record breaker, Sifan Hassan, Netherlands’ world leader at one mile and 3,000m, Caterine Ibarguen, Colombia’s triple and long jump champion, Mariya Lasitskene, Russian world leader in the high jump, Sandra Perkovic, Croatia’s European discus champion, Caster Semenya, Rupublic of South Africa’s undefeated 800m champion, Nafissatou Thiam, Belgium’s undefeated heptathlete and Anita Wlodarczyk, Poland’s European hammer thrower.

“I feel really blessed to be nominated for the award against such amazing athletes,” said

Miller-Uibo, who produced an unbeaten season as she focused her attention on the half-lap race.

Claude Bryan, the chief executive officer for On Track Management Inc, the managing group for Miller-Uibo, said this is a “positive nod in the direction of SMU (Shaunae Miller-Uibo), her family, support group, coach and physio.

“For On Track Management, with Veronica Campbell-Brown

KNOWLES-TENER AND STRACHAN FACE OFF ON GRIDIRON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN COLLEGE

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

and Omar McLeod previously cited with top 10 nominations, it’s confirmation that we are on track.”

Miller-Uibo, who competed in five events in 15 races, inclusive of 13 finals and two preliminaries, was successful in her campaign this year. She also produced a world lead and three wins in the 400m with the world’s fastest time since 2006 of 48.97 seconds in erasing Tonique Williams’ Bahamas national 400m record of 49.07.

“The ladies sure turned up in 2018 with notable efforts from an outstanding group of women,” Bryan reflected. “SMU has a very good chance. If this was a game of poker, I would sure like my hand.”

To add to her résumé this year, Miller-Uibo won the gold at the

FORMER high school teammates Mike Strachan and Rondre Knowles-Tener competed against each other on the gridiron for the first time at the collegiate level.

In the NCAA Division II matchup in the Mountain East Conference, Strachan and the University of Charleston Golden Cougars emerged with the 24-10 win over KnowlesTener and the University of Virginia Wise Cavaliers on Saturday.

Strachan, the sophomore wide receiver, caught two passes for 41 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown, while Knowles-Tener, the sophomore defensive tackle, finished with four tackles, including one solo for a nine-yard loss.

The Golden Cougars improved to 5-3 while the Cavs fell to 3-5.

Virginia-Wise scored 10 points in the first quarter to

SEE PAGE 2

SEE PAGE 2

Bahamians lead Knights to 108-93 win in season debut

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net LED by its group of Bahamian players, the Niagara College Knights got their 2018-19 season off to a promising start with a dominant win over last year’s top team in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association West division.

Livingston Bromwell, Van Hutchinson Jr and Kevin Cooper led the Knights to a 108-93 win over the Redeemer Royals in the season debut.

Bromwell led the way with 21 points and 14 rebounds - both team highs - and shot 10-12 from the field. Hutchinson Jr finished

with 19 points, 15 rebounds, four steals and four assists while Kevin Cooper scored 12 points, grabbed five rebounds and blocked two shots in just 17 minutes.

After finishing up their exhibition schedule with a 5-3 record, the Knights kept that momentum going into the regular season against a Royals team that finished the regular season 19-1 last year.

In 2017, the Knights concluded OCAA tournament with an 89-83 win over the Lambton Lions in the tournament’s consolation final and did not qualify for the CCAA Championships.

In 2016, they finished fourth in the OCAA tournament and did not

BROMWELL

HUTCHINSON JR

advance to the National Championship. They finished the three-day event in fourth place.

“Every year has been a growing process,” Hutchinson Jr said. “Last year was different because I had that injury at the end of year one and I dealt with that

all year. I’m healthy now so I’m really looking forward to big things from myself and from my team,” he said.

The Knights are a combined 38-16 over the last three seasons.

New head coach Phil Mosley named Hutchinson Jr the team captain for this

season in his third season with the Knights.

He has averaged 16.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.8 blocks per game over his first two seasons with the programme.

“We head to Canada as a brotherhood and that’s the way we keep it,” Hutchinson Jr said. “We basically treat it like fraternity brothers. We’re family, so with us together, we’re even more excited for the season as a unit. I’m ready, everyone’s ready and we’re just excited to get it going right now.”

In July, Mosley was announced as the new head coach of the programme after he spent last season as the first chair assistant under interim head coach

Mike Hurley. “We hope to build on past successes and remain in the hunt for a provincial title this year as we compete in a tough OCAA West Division. This year’s team has a nice blend of experience and youth which will allow us to continue to build,” Mosley said. “It is our goal to bring a level of competitiveness and hard work which will allow us to compete,” said Mosley. “Ultimately, we will be playing our best basketball by the end of the season as we prepare for playoffs and reaching our ultimate goal.”

The Knights are slated to travel to face the Conestoga Condors tomorrow night at 8pm.

PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Miller-Uibo nominated for IAAF Athlete of the Year KnowlesFROM PAGE 1 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia and clinched the IAAF Diamond League title in the 200m and the same feat and on both the 4 x 100 and the mixed gender 4 x 400m relay at the IAAF Continental Cup as a member of the Americas team.

“This season has been nothing short of amazing and I can only give God all the thanks and praise for allowing me to achieve all that I have in my career,” Miller-Uibo pointed out. “Breaking the 49-second battier, I must say has been the most memorable moment for me of the season and then of course managing to stay undefeated.”

Whether she wins or not, MillerUibo said her performance will

only serve as the impetus for her for the 2019 season.

“I’m really happy with how this season went and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me in the upcoming season,” she said.

Bryan couldn’t agree more.

“Unbeaten, two world bests, a world leader and an all-time top 10 effort,” he stated. “It’s a season for the ages and the ultimate icing on the cake would be the Female Athlete of the Year award.”

A three-way voting process will determine the finalists.

The IAAF Council and the IAAF Family will cast their votes by email, while fans can vote online via the IAAF’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Only 25 per cent of the votes will be tabled from the public, so there

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo wins the 200m final at the Diamond League Memorial. is an appeal for as many Bahamians to log on and cast their votes

for Miller-Uibo before the deadline closes on November 12.

The IAAF Council will secure 50 per cent of the results, while the remaining 25 per cent will go to the IAAF Family.

Today, the IAAF will release the names of the men’s nominees.

While they will wait for the final selection, Bryan said based on discussions that he had with SMU’s coach Lance Brauman, the 24-year-old double Bahamian national record holder should be back in training camp next month in preparation for 2019.

“Obviously, the World Championships will be the primary focus as well as performing for her fans across the globe,” he said.

Many, no doubt, will be watching to see if she can surpass her performances in 2018.

Hield cans 17 to help Kings get their first win of season FROM PAGE 1 senior season. “It’s cool,” he said. “Like I said, it’s my second home. I was here for four years. Glad to be here.

The fans always embrace me well.”

Russell Westbrook went for 32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in his season debut. He split a pair of free throws to trim the Thunder deficit 119113 with 2:35 left to play in regulation.

Hield responded with a three pointer on the very next possession to push the lead to nine, as close as the Thunder would get the remainder of the way.

“The fans always embrace me well. I love being here. I wish I didn’t get into foul trouble early so I could stay on the court longer, but it is what it is,”

he told Parker Primrose of OU Daily. “I’m content [with how I’m playing now], but I’m trying to find ways to get better,” Hield said.

“Stay out of foul trouble, be smart in ways of guarding and stuff like that. I just try to keep building each and every game.”

Through thee games, Hield is averaging 17.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and two assists per game on 55 per cent shooting from the field and 50 per cent shooting from three. “[Buddy]’s doing good,” Kings head coach Dave Joerger said. “He works hard, he’s a great human being, and he’s fun to coach every day.”

The Kings look to even their record on the road against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, tonight.

THUNDER forward Paul George shoots as Kings guard Buddy Hield defends in the second half on Sunday.

(AP Photos/Sue Ogrocki)

BUDDY HIELD, centre, shoots between Thunder forwards Patrick Patterson and Paul George.

BUDDY Hield (24) goes to the basket defended by Thunder guard Deonte Burton.

Tener, Strachan face off on gridiron for the first time in college FROM PAGE 1 take an early lead. In the second quarter UC responded with 17 unanswered points, capped by Strachan’s 22-yard touchdown catch from Mason Olszewski. They scored on an 81-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter to secure the win.

Knowles-Tener has recorded 16 tackles on the season and one sack through eight games.

Strachan leads the Golden Cougars in every receiving category – 33 receptions, 727 yards and five touchdowns on 22 yards per catch and 90.8 yards per game.

Both teams will face conference leading Notre Dame College in their next games. UC will travel to NCC on October 27 while the Cavs will host NCC on November 3.

Both players played at the high school level for Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Coming out of high school, Knowles-Tener originally committed to the East Carolina Pirates but eventually chose to join the programme at James Madison Dukes before he transferred to the Cavaliers.

In his stint at LCA, he earned numerous accolades, including VISAA Division I Second Team All-State as a junior, VHSL Honourable Mention AllRegion 4A West and First Team All-Conference 23 as a senior and was a member of LCA’s VISAA Division I state championship team as a sophomore.

Strachan is a threesport star who at LCA was a member of the 2013 VISAA 1 State Championship team and received All Conference and Honourable Mention All-Region this year as a senior.

Strachan was also ranked fourth nationally in the 500m, and set a new LCA record in the event at the Hokie Invitational.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 23, 2018, PAGE 3

‘We’ll see what the World Series brings’ AN American Major League Baseball season begins for the players and coaches sometime during the month of February at the latest, and all 30 teams play a preseason exhibition schedule in Florida or Arizona during the month of March. Then the long march begins, and American pro sports’ lengthiest regular season continues for six months, from the beginning of April until the end of September.

A tense, pressure-packed post season play-off season then begins and consumes the month of October, culminating in the annual World Series championship. By this point, all but two teams have been eliminated, and the finalists this year are the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, playing in their first Series against each other in over 100 years.

This year’s World Series begins tonight in Boston.

The Dodgers won the seventh and deciding game of their National League Championship series against the Brewers on the road before a passionate, distinctly hostile crowd in Milwaukee.

The last game of this hotly contested series did not feature a close score or late-inning heroics by either side, as LA prevailed, 5-1. But the Brewers nevertheless pushed Los Angeles to the limit before they succumbed to the Dodgers’ fine reliever Kenley Jansen and ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who

covered most of the last three innings to clinch the series.

The Dodgers, who lost the World Series 4-3 last year, say they are battle hardened now and that the result will be different this time. They have indeed been tested over a long season of key injuries and periods during which they did not look much like defending league champions. But here they are again, knocking at the championship door.

Their opponents from Boston led

the major leagues in victories this season, and made for themselves a smoother path to this point. They first dispatched their rival New York Yankees by three games to one to begin their playoff push. Then, after an opening loss at home, the Red Sox scored 27 runs in winning four straight games over the defending champion Houston Astros. Three of those wins came on the road in Houston.

Boston looked like the superior team in both series, and will enjoy an extra home game in the championship series. They have won seven

games and lost only two so far in these playoffs.

The Red Sox have also experienced injury problems during the season.

Most teams do, over the course of what all admit is a long, gruelling grind. Key players have been sidelined for extended periods. But from the time they signed right fielder and true professional hitter J.D. Martinez after a lengthy offseason courtship during which it was obvious player and team needed each other, this team has looked and played like the best in baseball.

Boston has won the World Series three times in the past 14 years, after a much-chronicled drought of 86 years. They have been among the very wealthiest and best managed teams in baseball during this century. The 2018 squad may be the best team Boston has fielded in over 100 years. The choice in this World Series is Boston. ****** ****** The Seer’s 2-0 record in the baseball league championship series just concluded brings the 2018 composite record in American college and professional football and basketball, European and world soccer and American baseball to 42-21.

We’ll see what the World Series brings, and then get ready for the NFL and college football playoffs. There’s always another big game to look forward to on the schedule.

DODGERS’ Clayton Kershaw throws in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series against the Brewers.

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

KERSHAW WORKS OUT IN SHORTS ON CHILLY NIGHT AT FENWAY PARK BOSTON (AP) — Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw got an early look at Fenway Park, working out in shorts in the bullpen ahead of tonight’s World Series opener.

The Dodgers arrived in Boston on Sunday, a day after winning the NL pennant. Kershaw tossed a perfect ninth inning in a 5-1 Game 7 victory at Milwaukee, striking out two batters and throwing 15 pitches.

Los Angeles had one scheduled workout at Fenway before facing the Red Sox. That session was set for late on Monday afternoon.

Kershaw has never pitched at Fenway and is expected to start the opener. The 30-year-old left-hander’s workout was caught by a video camera and posted by MLB. com. He wore a blue bandanna and a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeve of his pitching arm pulled up on an evening with the temperature in the 40s. His baseball glove on his right hand and a baseball in his left, he stretched and went through the motions of his stretch and windup without throwing the ball.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

My Cowboys get ‘very talented’ Amari Cooper from Raiders for 1st-round pick REVIEWS of the former Oakland Raider, Pro Bowl WR Amari Cooper, trade came in fast and furious, with many insiders saying the Cowboys gave up too much.

“I wouldn’t do that,” one anonymous NFL personnel source told Yahoo Sports yesterday, but added “he is very talented.”

The fact of the matter is, Cooper is talented and he possesses a very high skill set. A plug and play, in any lineup.

That’s what means the most to a Dallas team that is not ever going to be in a rebuilding process, as long as team owner Jerry Jones is alive and kicking.

But Cooper is not a perfect player. He has his flaws, especially his penchant for dropped passes can be maddening (he finished third in the NFL with nine drops last year, according to Football Outsiders).

THE

PRESS BOX ELAYA

BY INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZ

Cooper’s production has started to decline.

In 2017 he caught only 48 passes for 680 yards and seven touchdowns as he missed two games due to a concussion and high ankle sprain.

But when Cooper is at his best, there’s no doubting his ability to serve as a No. 1 receiver. His route running has always been advanced, even in his college data.

When Cooper was a freshman starter at Alabama, and his first two years in the NFL — when he totalled 155 catches for 2,223

yards and 11 touchdowns — are more indicative of the former No. 4 overall pick’s talent.

“If I felt I was competing for a championship,” another NFL personnel man said Monday, “then he’s worth it.”

The Cowboys who stay in to “win now” mode, feel they can turn the corner with the addition of Cooper.

Add to the equation, the Cowboys (3-4) remain only a game and-a-half behind the NFC Eastleading Redskins (4-2).

Rather than address the WR position in the offseason, as they should have done this past offseason, the Cowboys chose to solve its receiver problem now, in the present.

Dallas decided to spend for an immediate upgrade to one of the weakest receiving groups in

AMARI COOPER (AP) the NFL. Cooper’s numbers are depressed at the moment, when he’s on his game — and being used properly, a la 2015 and 2016 — rival executives believe Cooper will likely give defences someone they’ll have to account for outside when they face the Cowboys, regardless of the price paid in the present.

Also, there’s a significant chance the Cowboys get a nice return on their investment.

Cooper won’t turn 25 until June, meaning they stand to have him through the bulk of his physical prime. In addition to everything else, next season will be the fifth and final year of Cooper’s rookie deal, meaning Cooper will be playing for a new contract in 2019.

The contract year is undefeated, and best of all for the Cowboys, if he earns a new deal he’ll be young enough to actually make good on it.

• Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1. Comments and questions to naughty@ tribunemedia.net

INAUGURAL ‘LIGHTHOUSE AWARD’ SET FOR HILTON NOVEMBER 24

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

‘GOLDEN Girl’ Shaunae Miller-Uibo, track and field historian Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson and CARIFTA sensation Maryann HiggsClarke will be among the athletes recognised for their accomplishments during the inaugural ‘Lighthouse Award.”

The Lighthouse Award is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any alumnus by the St Augustine’s College Alumni Association as it will recognise alumni and non-alumni achievements.

“We will recognise individuals for contributions in a variety of professional disciplines, sports, humanitarian/philanthropic efforts or for works that embody the SAC spirit,” said Cherelle Cartwright, the president of SACA. While those three are among the list of sporting personalities to be honoured during the gala awards banquet on November 24 at the Hilton hotel, there are some other Bahamians who will recognised.

Tickets are priced at $225 per person.

Among the list are Prime Minister Hubert Minnis as the Alumnus of the Year, the late Bishop Rodney Roberts for SAC Spirit, Bishop Walter Hanchell for humanitarian and Dr Rodney Smith for education.

Joining Miller-Uibo, Finlayson and Higgs-Clarke in sports are the late Oscar Francis, Eugene ‘Geno’

Nairn with the Lighthouse Lifetime Award and the Cargill Family for the legacy award.

According to his biography, Francis was the first person from St Augustine’s to win international track and field medals for the Bahamas when he secured a pair of medals at the 1957 British West Indies Games.

Francis was considered the most versatile track athlete ever produced by the Bahamas. He passed away on January 16, 2012.

For the record, HiggsClarke was listed among the top track and field athletes in the country and the Caribbean region, becoming the first to win the prestigious Austin Sealy award for the Bahamas when the CARIFTA Games was held at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

Finlayson, one of the premier triple jumpers during the prime of his career, both locally and internationally, went on to serve as public relations, vice president and president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations.

He rose to become the first Bahamian to serve as a council member of the International Amateur Athletic Federation, the highest body for the sport in the world. He is also an author and radio talk show host on track and field.

And Miller-Uibo has emerged as the new sprint sensation, holding both the Bahamas national records in both the 200 and 400 metres. She was also the last Bahamian to win the Austin Sealy award.

GOLDEN Girl Shaunae Miller-Uibo receives her certificate from Jennifer Thurston.

PHELICE Jones presents an award to Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson.

However, she has surged from winning the gold medals at the 2010 IAAF World Junior and 2011 IAAF World Youth Championships to bronze at the 2014 IAAF World Indoor Championships, gold at the 2016 Olympic Games, bronze in the 200m at the IAAF World Championships and gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and triple feat at the Continental Cup in the 200m and as a member on both the 4 x 100 and mixed gender 4 x 400m relays.

While this is the first year for the gala awards, the SACA plans on hosting it annually or at least every two years when they

MARYANN Higgs-Clarke gets her award from Jennifer Thurston.

OSCAR FRANCIS

MOBILE

APP

Take us with you Everywhere you go!

THE LATE Oscar Francis daughter, Bridgette (right), receives an award from Phelice Jones. will continue to recognise can be purchased at Bonthe accomplishments of aventure Medical Lab, East students and athletes who Avenue, Centerville or by have excelled at St Augu- calling the Alumni Assotine’s College. ciation - call/whatsapp at For this year’s ball, tick- 437-1718 for delivery. ets are still available and ––––––––––––––––––––––

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 23, 2018, PAGE 5

Stephens beats Osaka in 3 sets at WTA Finals SINGAPORE (AP) — In a match between the last two US Open champions, Sloane Stephens came out on top.

The 2017 champion beat Naomi Osaka 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 yesterday at the WTA Finals, the season-ending tournament for the top eight players in the world.

Both players are making their debut appearances at the tournament, but Stephens appeared to be more

WAWRINKA WITHDRAWS FROM SWISS INDOORS AS CILIC WINS OPENER

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has ended his season after withdrawing from the Swiss Indoors with a back injury.

Wawrinka says there is “disappointment and sadness” in taking a decision for his longterm plans.

The 33-year-old Swiss, who was due to play Wednesday against Adrian Mannarino, is now ranked 68th after battling knee injuries for more than a year.

Third-seeded Marin Cilic moved into the second round by beating Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-2.

Cilic can confirm his place in next month’s ATP Finals in London by repeating his 2016 title in Basel.

Top-seeded Roger Federer is seeking a ninth career title at his hometown tournament.

composed while Osaka, who became the first Japanese citizen to win a Grand Slam title last month in New York, never seemed comfortable.

“I’m just really happy to get through and play a good competitive match,” Stephens said on court after the match. “I never gave up. I knew she’s been playing well and I’d have to play really good tennis to beat her.”

Both players struggled to hold serve. Osaka was broken on seven of 19 break-point opportunities, while Stephens was broken on four of 12.

Stephens entered the tournament with 33 wins this season, the least of any of the eight qualifiers. She reached her second career Grand Slam final at this year’s French Open, and won the Miami title.

Osaka continually showed her frustration during the match. When she failed to capitalise on four break points in the fourth game of the second set, she made a visible shrugging gesture with both hands.

Stephens gifted the second set to Osaka when she double-faulted on a second set point in the 10th game. But Osaka appeared to be mentally fatigued and only managed to hold serve in the third game of the final set.

Nevertheless, Osaka was encouraged in knowing she’ll play at least two more matches in the round-robin format.

“I took my five-minutes of being really sad,” Osaka said. “I just tried to think that you learn more when you lose, so what can I learn from this match and try to apply it to the next match?

“I think, in a way, that you can only get better every match you play.”

Kiki Bertens, who qualified for the draw when No.

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer

SLOANE STEPHENS, of the United States, waves to the crowd after beating Naomi Osaka of Japan in their singles match yesterday at the WTA tennis tournament in Singapore.

(AP Photo/Vincent Thian) 1 Simona Halep withdrew with a herniated disk in her back, fought back to beat top seed Angelique Kerber 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. “I was really happy to turn this match around,” Bertens said.

“I had a little (on-court) chat with my coach when it wasn’t going so well. We decided I should go a little

bit more for my shots and be more aggressive.”

The first seven games of the third set were service breaks before Bertens held for a 5-3 lead. Kerber, a finalist here in 2016, finally held in the ninth game, but couldn’t prevent Bertens from serving out the match. “I started really

well and she started playing better and better and then I dropped a little bit with my intensity,” Kerber said. “In the third set I had so many chances and I couldn’t take it.”

Kerber plays Osaka and Stephens takes on Bertens in the second group matches on Wednesday.

RESTOCKED KANSAS NABS NO. 1 SPOT IN AP TOP 25 PRESEASON POLL

By AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self sees big holes when he looks at his roster after losing three starters, including Associated Press All-American Devonte’ Graham.

The voters in the AP Top 25 poll see something different: a roster restocked so well that Jayhawks will start the season as the nation’s top team.

Kansas checked in at No. 1 in the preseason poll released yesterday, earning the top spot to start a season for the third time in programme history, all under Self. The Jayhawks topped the ballot for 37 of 65 voters, nearly double that of No. 2 Kentucky.

“Obviously we lost a lot off last year’s team with Devonte’, Svi (Mykhailiuk) and Malik (Newman), so I’m a little surprised that the writers put us there this preseason,” Self said in a statement to the AP. “It’s definitely a spot we welcome and certainly know the goal is to be playing to that ranking by when it counts the most.

“With the young players, we know it’s going to take some time before we’re anywhere close to where we’re going to be, but I do like this team and I think we have a chance to be very good.”

The Jayhawks return veteran starters in junior 7-footer Udoka Azubuike and senior Lagerald Vick from a team that reached its first Final Four since 2012. They’re also adding transfer help from Memphis twins Dedric and K.J. Lawson as well as California’s Charlie Moore — all double-digit scorers on their previous teams.

And yet, the previous two times the Jayhawks started at No. 1 didn’t end

well. The 2004-05 squad lost to Bucknell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. And the 2009-10 team that held the top spot for 15 of 19 weeks overall and won 33 games lost to Northern Iowa in the second round.

The ranking comes as the programme finds itself entangled in the federal corruption case tied to payments used to steer recruits to certain schools.

Testimony during the recent first trials included references to Self and sophomore forward Silvio De Sousa , though Self isn’t charged with wrongdoing and it’s unclear if De Sousa’s status will be affected.

CLEAR CHOICES Voters established a clear top tier: Kansas, Kentucky, No. 3 Gonzaga and No. 4 Duke. Those four teams appeared in some combination at the top of nearly half the ballots (32 of 65).

John Calipari’s latest group of touted recruits helped the Wildcats earn 19 first-place votes to open as a top-5 team for the eighth straight season.

Gonzaga’s ranking is the programme’s highest in a preseason AP poll, though the Zags have reached No. 1 during the regular season before.

As for Duke, the Blue Devils had started No. 1 in each of the past two preseason AP polls.

The points gap between the Jayhawks and the Blue Devils (129 points) at fourth was slimmer than between Duke and fellow Atlantic Coast Conference program Virginia (166 points) at No. 5.

FRESH START Speaking of Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers, one of the biggest things to watch will be how well the Virginia responds to the most

RONALDO DEFENDS HIMSELF AGAINST RAPE ACCUSATION

KANSAS’ Udoka Azubuike (35) dunks as Clemson’s Gabe DeVoe, left, and Aamir Simms watch in the second half of a regional semi-final game in the NCAA college basketball tournament.

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) historic of tournament losses.

The Cavaliers ended the regular season as the unanimous AP No. 1-ranked team and the No. 1 overall NCAA Tournament seed, yet somehow became the first 1-seed to lose to a No. 16 against UMBC. Bennett said all the right things about learning from that moment. And his team returns Kyle Guy (14.1 points), Ty Jerome (10.6 points) and its best NBA prospect in sophomore De’Andre Hunter.

Virginia has its highest preseason AP ranking since Ralph Sampson’s final team opened at No. 1 in 1982-83.

CHAMPS AT 9 No Jalen Brunson, no Mikal Bridges, no Final Four most outstanding player Donte DiVincenzo.

And yet reigning national champion Villanova checks in at No. 9.

The Wildcats still have Eric Paschall and Phil Booth back while adding

Albany graduate transfer Joe Cremo. There’s also a bit of respect built into this ranking, both for the stature of programme Jay Wright has developed (two national championships in three seasons) and for the Wildcats’ dominating romp through the postseason.

LOFTY START The Martin twins are back along with Jordan Caroline, and that has Nevada starting the year with the programme’s highest ever AP poll ranking at No. 7 after last year’s NCAA Sweet 16 run.

CONFERENCE WATCH The ACC had the most teams ranked of any conference: Duke, Virginia, No. 8 North Carolina, No. 15 Virginia Tech (its highest spot since the 1995-96 season), No. 16 Syracuse, No. 17 Florida State and No. 22 Clemson.

The Southeastern Conference was next up with five teams: Kentucky, No. 6

Tennessee, No. 11 Auburn (the programme’s highest ranking since 2000), No. 18 Mississippi State and No. 23 LSU. The Big 12 had four (Kansas, No. 12 Kansas State, No. 13 West Virginia and No. 20 TCU), while the Big Ten and Pac-12 each had three, led by No. 10 Michigan State and No. 14 Oregon, respectively.

THE WATCH LIST Hello again to Porter Moser, Sister Jean and Loyola (Chicago), last year’s Final Four surprise.

The Ramblers were only three points behind No. 25 Washington, putting them just outside the poll.

Marquette was next with high-scoring junior Markus Howard back, while Archie Miller’s second year at Indiana has the Hoosiers lurking nearby as well.

Several power-conference teams like Florida, Nebraska, Maryland and Wisconsin could find their way into the poll with a few early wins.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Speaking publicly for the first time since being accused of rape, Cristiano Ronaldo defended himself against the allegation and said yesterday he is confident the truth will come out in the case.

The soccer superstar has been accused of rape in the United States. Kathryn Mayorga filed a civil lawsuit last month in Nevada claiming Ronaldo raped her in his Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. Police also reopened an investigation into the allegation at her request.

Ronaldo’s attorney, Peter S Christiansen, issued a statement on October 10 denying wrongdoing by his client.

“I’m not going to lie in this situation,” Ronaldo said at a news conference ahead of a Champions League match between his Italian team, Juventus, and former club Manchester United at Old Trafford today.

“I’m very happy. My lawyers, they are confident and of course I am, too. The most important, is I enjoy the football, I enjoy my life.

The rest, I have people who take care of my life.

“Of course, the truth is always coming in the first position.”

Christiansen declined comment. Attorneys Leslie Mark Stovall and Larissa Drohobyczer, representing Mayorga, did not immediately respond to messages.

Ronaldo previously had confronted the allegations in an Instagram video posted October 3, hours after the suit was filed.

“Fake. Fake news,” the five-time world player of the year said at that time.

Christiansen has branded documents that led to media reports about the rape claim “complete fabrications” and asserted that the encounter in a Las Vegas hotel penthouse bedroom was consensual.

Attorneys for Mayorga have challenged Ronaldo’s legal team to prove that documents are false.

Ronaldo joined Juventus in the offseason from Real Madrid. He has scored five goals in nine matches for the Italian champion, and two in three matches since being accused of rape.

Asked about his status as a soccer role model, the 33-year-old Ronaldo said yesterday: “I know I am an example. I know, 100 per cent. On the pitch and outside the pitch. So I am always smiling, I am happy man. I’m blessed that I play in a fantastic club, I have a fantastic family, I have four kids, I am healthy. I have everything.”

“So the rest, it doesn’t interfere on me,” he added, before saying with a smile: “I’m very, very well.”

Ronaldo is returning to Old Trafford for the second time since leaving United to join Real Madrid in 2009. The first time was for the second leg of a Champions League last 16-match between United and Madrid in 2013, when he was given a standing ovation by United fans and introduced as the “magnificent seven” — a reference to the number he had at the English club.

Ronaldo scored the winning goal that night, eliminating United.

The Portugal forward has won the Champions League five times, once with United in 2008 and then at Madrid in 2014, ‘16, ‘17 and this year.

“I remember what it was like in Manchester. My history, we won lots of trophies, cups, leagues and the Champions League.

I remember the support of the fans. (Then-United manager) Sir Alex (Ferguson) is someone I will never forget. He was a huge lift in my career.

“When I knew we were playing Manchester United, it was a huge thing for me.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 23, 2018, PAGE 7

Brooks Koepka has golf’s top ranking with win in South Korea JEJU ISLAND, South Korea (AP) — Brooks Koepka is golf’s new No. 1 after winning the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges by four strokes on Sunday.

Koepka, who displaced Dustin Johnson for the world’s top ranking, shot a final-round 8-under 64 for a 21-under total of 267.

Koepka, who had never held the top ranking, led by four strokes after three rounds.

“To be No. 1 is something I’ve dreamed of as a kid,” Koepka said. “I don’t think this one is going to sink in.”

Gary Woodland certainly made it interesting. Woodland started the day five strokes behind Koepka, who was only 1-under after nine, but Woodland pulled level after making six birdies in seven holes on the front nine.

The two duelled on the back nine, with Woodland birdieing 15 and 16 to again pull level. But Koepka did the same, and a bogey by Woodland on the par-3 17th gave Koepka the cushion he needed to close out the

win despite a birdie on the 18th by Woodland.

The biggest moment came on the 16th. Koepka went from a fairway bunker to just left of the green, about 70 feet away. Koepka hit a chip-and-run that was stopped by the pin and dropped for the birdie.

Koepka finished in style with a 25-foot eagle putt on the 18th for a 29 on the back nine.

“I’m not somebody who’s going to panic if things go the wrong way,” Koepka said of his slow start. “I felt like the one at 15 was quite big with Gary making a charge.”

Woodland finished second after a 63. Ryan Palmer birdied his last seven holes to shoot a course-record 62 and finish in a tie for third place with Rafa Cabrera Bello (65), four strokes behind Koepka.

Woodland was happy with his final round, but looked back to a few missed birdie chances on Saturday.

“Brooks with the lead.not much fazes him,” Woodland

said. “So you knew you had to make a lot of birdies and I made a lot today.

I was trying to put as much pressure as I could. But just shows I was too far back to start after not making too many putts yesterday.

I gave myself a chance, I was tied for the lead there.

Brooks obviously just made some clutch shots down the stretch.”

Palmer said he became more confident with each of his seven straight birdies on the back nine.

“The more I made, the more free I felt in my swing and I was able to hit some close,” Palmer said.

“I made some long putts coming down the stretch.

Actually on 17, I looked at my scorecard, I was like, ‘oh, that’s six in a row.’ It is kind of back there, but you don’t think about it. What a special day.”

Defending champion Justin Thomas, who could have prevented Koepka from moving to No. 1 with a repeat win, finished at 5-under after a 68 Sunday.

Koepka is the third player

BROOKS KOEPKA, of the United States, poses with his trophy after winning the CJ Cup PGA golf tournament at Nine Bridges on Jeju Island, South Korea, on Sunday. (AP) this year to reach No. 1 for the first time, joining Justin Rose and Thomas. The last time that happened was in 1997, when Ernie Els, Tom Lehman and Tiger Woods each rose to No. 1.

It was Koepka’s 12th victory worldwide, including four wins on the European

Challenge Tour. He now has won in six countries the United States, South Korea, Spain, Italy, Turkey and Scotland.

“Everything I’ve done this year it’s been working.

So I don’t want to change anything,” Koepka said.

“Just keep improving.

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 69° F/21° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm in spots

Mostly cloudy with spotty showers

Some sun with a t‑storm in spots

Intervals of clouds and sunshine

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm in spots

Partly sunny, a t‑storm in spots

High: 85°

Low: 75°

High: 85° Low: 73°

High: 86° Low: 75°

High: 88° Low: 76°

High: 88° Low: 75°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

90° F

81° F

92°-80° F

93°-83° F

92°-78° F

94°-77° F

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 70° F/21° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

8‑16 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 85° F/29° C Low: 73° F/23° C

8‑16 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 75° F/24° C

N

S

E

W

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 75° F/24° C

MIAMI

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 74° F/23° C

7‑14 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 82° F/28° C Low .................................................... 71° F/22° C Normal high ....................................... 84° F/29° C Normal low ........................................ 72° F/22° C Last year’s high ................................. 89° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 80° F/27° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.39” Year to date ............................................... 43.31” Normal year to date ................................... 33.54”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 75° F/24° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2018

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

S

E

W

4‑8 knots

S

6‑12 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

uV inDex toDay

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

7:29 a.m.

7:45 p.m.

3.2 3.0

1:19 a.m.

1:46 p.m.

0.4 0.4

Wednesday 8:08 a.m.

8:24 p.m.

3.3 3.0

1:56 a.m.

2:28 p.m.

0.2 0.3

Thursday

8:48 a.m.

9:05 p.m.

3.5 3.0

2:34 a.m.

3:11 p.m.

0.1 0.2

Friday

9:30 a.m.

9:48 p.m.

3.5 2.9

3:13 a.m.

3:55 p.m.

0.1 0.2

Saturday

10:14 a.m.

10:34 p.m.

3.5 2.8

3:55 a.m.

4:42 p.m.

0.1 0.2

Sunday

11:02 a.m.

11:24 p.m.

3.5 2.8

4:40 a.m.

5:32 p.m.

0.1 0.3

Monday

11:55 a.m. ‑‑‑‑‑

3.4 ‑‑‑‑‑

5:30 a.m.

6:27 p.m.

0.2 0.4

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

7:12 a.m.

6:36 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

6:19 p.m.

6:04 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Oct. 24

Oct. 31

Nov. 7

Nov. 15

CAT ISLAND

E

W

“I’m so excited right now, you have no idea. I can’t wait to go play again.”

He’ll get his chance soon. Next week the PGA Tour heads to Shanghai for the final stop on its Asian swing, the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 76° F/24° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 83° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

7‑14 knots

7‑14 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS E at 8‑16 Knots NNE at 4‑8 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots W at 4‑8 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots WSW at 3‑6 Knots ENE at 6‑12 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots W at 3‑6 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots NNE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SW at 3‑6 Knots NE at 7‑14 Knots ENE at 4‑8 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots SE at 3‑6 Knots ENE at 6‑12 Knots S at 3‑6 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots S at 3‑6 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 4‑8 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots WSW at 3‑6 Knots

WAVES 4‑8 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑2 Feet 0‑1 Feet 3‑6 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 0‑1 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet

VISIBILITY 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 80° F 80° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 82° F

Covering The Bahamas for over 40 years.

NEW PROVIDENCE | GRAND BAHAMA | ABACO | ELEUTHERA | EXUMA

INSURANCE MANAGEMENT

(BAHAMAS) LIMITED. INSURANCE BROKERS & AGENTS

HOME INSURANCE

LIFE INSURANCE

AUTO INSURANCE

MARINE INSURANCE

www.InsuranceManagementBahamas.com

PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Raptors rout the Hornets, 127-106 TORONTO (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points, Kyle Lowry had 16 points and a season-high 14 assists, and Toronto never trailed in a 127-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets last night, the Raptors’ fourth straight win to open the season.

Jonas Valanciunas scored 17 points, Danny Green had 16, and Serge Ibaka added 15 as the Raptors won for the ninth time in 11 meetings with the Hornets.

Toronto is the first NBA team to reach four wins. Denver (3-0) can match the Raptors when it hosts Sacramento tonight.

Leonard returned after sitting out Saturday night’s road win over Washington, the second game of a back-to-back. The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year was limited to nine games last season because of a quadriceps injury.

Kemba Walker scored 26 points and Jeremy Lamb had 16 as the Hornets dropped their first road game of the season.

MAGIC 93, CELTICS 90 BOSTON (AP) — Nikola Vucevic had 24 points and 12 rebounds while the Orlando Magic survived two 3-point attempts by Boston in the closing seconds to beat the Celtics.

Trailing 91-90 with 14.2 seconds to play, Boston was forced to foul Evan Fournier after Orlando inbounded the ball. He stepped to the line and made both free throws with 7.8 seconds left.

Kyrie Irving then missed a 3 from the right corner, and after Al Horford grabbed the rebound and fed it out — Gordon Hayward’s rimmed out just before the buzzer sounded.

Irving led the Celtics (2-2) with 22 points.

RAPTORS forward Pascal Siakam, right, drives to the net against Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) during second-half NBA basketball game action in Toronto last night. (AP) BUCKS 124, KNICKS 113 MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31 points and 15 assists, Khris Middleton sank a pair of late 3-pointers and the Bucks survived a furious second-half rally by New York to hold off the Knicks.

Middleton was efficient in scoring 30 points, going 7 of 8 from 3-point range. Antetokounmpo only had one 3, but it came in a

big spot, giving unbeaten Milwaukee the lead for good midway through the fourth period.

Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Knicks with 24 points. Trey Burke added 19 and Mario Hezonja had 18.

Middleton’s 3-pointer with 2:22 left gave the Bucks a 116-110 lead, and Eric Bledsoe and Middleton had 3s in the final two minutes as Milwaukee pulled away. All five Bucks starters scored in double

figures. Bledsoe had 16 points, center Brook Lopez added 13 and guard Malcolm Brogdon had 11.

TIMBERWOLVES 101, PACERS 91 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jimmy Butler returned to Minnesota’s lineup and scored 20 points to lead the Timberwolves to a win over the Pacers.

Butler, who received a mix of boos and cheers during player

introductions, sat out Saturday due to precautionary rest. KarlAnthony Towns added 17 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota, while rookie guard Josh Okogie scored 12 points off the bench.

The Wolves led by as many as nine early before Indiana cut it to one point at the half. Victor Oladipo scored 15 of his 20 points before halftime to lead the Pacers.

He has now scored at least 20 points in three straight games.

RYAN THROWS FOR 379 YARDS, FALCONS BEAT GIANTS 23-20

By PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Writer ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Ryan threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Hall, Tevin Coleman broke loose on a 30-yard scoring run and the Atlanta Falcons added another chapter to New York’s miserable season, beating the Giants 23-20 last night.

Ryan completed his final 18 passes and finished 31 of 39 for 379 yards, sending the Giants (1-6) to their

fourth straight loss. Giorgio Tavecchio, filling in for injured Atlanta kicker Matt Bryant, sealed the victory for Atlanta (3-4) with the longest field goal of his career from 56 yards.

Facing one of the NFL’s worst defences, New York botched its best scoring chance by going for a touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the 1 early in the third quarter. To the surprise of no one who has seen the Giants stumble through the season, Eli Manning’s pass

ATLANTA Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against New York Giants free safety Curtis Riley (35) and strong safety Landon Collins (21) in the second half last night in Atlanta.

(AP Photo/John Bazemore) for tight end Scott Simon- completed five passes for 61 son fell harmlessly to the yards before Barkley powturf. ered over from the 2 with Manning was sacked four 4:47 remaining for New times but still managed to York’s first TD of the game. complete 27 of 38 for 399 But coach Pat Shurmur yards. decided to go for 2, looking Odell Beckham hauled in to put his team in position eight passes for 143 yards, to win with another score. his fourth 100-yard receivManning pass for Becking game of the season, ham was knocked away, and Sterling Shepard fin- and the Falcons drove for ished with 167 yards on five Tavecchio’s clinching field receptions. goal.

The passing game got The Giants did manage little help from the ground a touchdown with 5 secattack, however. onds remaining as Manning Rookie Saquon Barkley hooked up with Beckham was limited to 43 yards on 14 on a 1-yard scoring play, carries, forcing the Giants but only after the quarterto go one-dimensional. back was stuffed on two Both teams got off to straight attempts to run it sluggish starts offensively. over, burning off most of The Falcons failed to cross the scant time on the clock. midfield on their first three possessions, and the Giants INJURY weren’t much better.

REPORT Then, suddenly, Atlanta The Falcons lost another struck for two big plays to guard when Brandon Fusco grab the lead. went down late in the first Ryan went down the left half with a right ankle sideline to tight end Austin injury.

Hooper for a 36-yard gain, Fusco had to be helped pushing the Falcons into off the field by a pair of New York territory for the trainers, and he was quickly first time. Then Ryan spot- taken to the locker room on ted Hall breaking free down a cart. the middle of the field, hitAfter initially announcting him perfectly in stride ing that Fusco’s return to for the touchdown. the game was questionable, The teams traded field the Falcons declared him goals in the final minute of out. the first half, sending the Atlanta had already lost Falcons to the locker room another starting guard, with a 10-3 lead.

Andy Levitre, to a seasonTavecchio, who first ending injury. connected from 40 yards, Ben Garland took Fusco’s added a 50-yard kick that spot on the line. extended the lead to 13-6 on the opening play of the UP NEXT fourth quarter.

Giants: New York returns Coleman rumbled for home next Sunday to face another Atlanta TD with- NFC East-leading Washingout being touched, giving ton (4-2). the home team some Falcons: Atlanta also breathing room before the plays Washington in its next Giants finally showed some game — but not until Nov. 4 life offensively. Manning after a bye week.