12182018 SPORTS

SPORTS SECTION E

NFL

Page 8

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018

FIU Panthers and Toledo Rockets touchdown at Atlantis

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

he excitement is now building with the arrival of the Florida International University Panthers and the Toledo Rockets at the Atlantis resort yesterday for the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl football game.

The two teams arrived at different times ahead of their closed door practice sessions today in preparation for Friday’s game at 12:30pm in the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

“Our kids were unbelievably patient. They knew it would be a little bit of a different travel experience having to go through customs,” said Toledo’s head coach Butch Davis on the Rockets’ travel experience getting here.

“Their excitement about being in the bowl game is so high that it wouldn’t have mattered how hard, I think a lot of them would have said ‘if we have to swim over there then we’ll just swim to get there.’”

The excitement for the Rockets, who come into the game with

T

a 7-5 win-loss record and 5-3 in the Mid-American Conference, is just as exhilarating as their anticipation of the game.

“I think every bowl game, you really want the kids to have a good experience,” he stated.

“Obviously, you want them to have fun and you want to win the football game.

“I can’t imagine a better place than Atlantis to come. The opportunities to get on the beach, and do all the things that Atlantis offers, the slides, the waterparks, they’re pretty geeked up about it.”

In preparation for the game, Davis said they feel right at home in terms of the weather conditions.

FLORIDA International University Panthers head coach Butch Davis speaks to the media.

Photo: Ben Solomon/ESPN “We’ve had seven practices before we left Miami and we’ll get three more opportunities here,” he pointed out. “I think it was enough preparation for our players, I think they’re super excited about playing.

“We’re unbelievably happy about being in the Bahamas and experiencing this. Our kids were geeked up when they found out we were coming and they were

even more geeked up this morning when we got on the plane.”

As for the game itself, Davis said they are as prepared as can be. “Any time you get a chance to play a nationally televised game on ESPN, and you’re the only game in the country going on at 12:30 on Friday the 21st, it’s really exciting,” he noted.

“It’s an opportunity for your seniors to go out with a win, it’s an opportunity for the younger kids to springboard into next season.

It really helps in recruiting, it helps in preparation for spring practices.”

With the new NCAA rule that allows freshmen to play in four games, some of the Rockets’ players will get the opportunity to compete one more time and there is also a chance for players that are redshirted to participate as well.

One of those latter players is senior defensive lineman Anthony Johnson.

“This is actually my first time even out of the country. It’s my first time over here,” he said.

“I’m just extremely excited to see the different views and everything. We all want to experience

different things that we aren’t able to do back at home.

“Everybody’s excited. Everybody on my bus was up, laughing, and having a good time. Everybody’s just extremely excited to experience all of this together.”

Johnson said they are looking forward to keeping FIU’s legacy intact.

“Last year was my first time being in a bowl game,” Johnson noted. “It feels good to help this team go to back-to-back bowl games. It’s kind of a pride thing.

“I’m extremely proud of this senior class. After all the adversity that we’ve been through, it’s going to be exciting to go out and hopefully get this win, and continue to help FIU progress.”

Jason Candle, head coach of Toledo, said they are just as thrilled to be participating in the Bahamas.

“How awesome. Our kids are fired up,” he stated on their arrival. “Any time you can get a reward for a great season and get to a bowl game, that’s really cool.

“To be able to bring it to another country and certainly a place

SEE PAGE 4

Cartwright and Thompson breeze to victory on day 1

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net KERRIE Cartwright and Danielle Thompson both breezed past their respective opponents - Afrika Smith and Sierra Donaldson - on day one of the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Challenge.

As the weeklong tournament got underway yesterday at the National Tennis Centre, the women’s Fed Cup teammates made their statements as they were joined by Iesha Shepherd, who is making her comeback here after missing last year’s tournament with an injury.

Unfortunately, collegian Shepherd suffered another injury during her two-set win over Donesha Gibson in her first match played in the tournament and was unable to play her much anticipated second match against top junior player Sydney Clarke.

Cartwright blanks Smith In a strong performance to get started, 26-year-old Kerrie Cartwright blanked 18-year-old Bethune-Cookman University freshman Afrika Smith 6-0, 6-0 to clinch her first victory.

“I had a bit of nerves, not having played in a tournament match in a couple of months, but overall, it was good. I like it. It was good to be back,” Cartwright stated.

“I think going to the next match, I just have to focus on going deeper and focusing a little more on my game. It’s always good to be home playing. I wished more of my tournaments were here.”

SEE PAGE 5

KERRIE Cartwright (left) and Afrika Smith share a special moment after yesterday’s match on day one of the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Challenge. The weeklong tournament is underway at the National Tennis Centre.

Cartwright, however, said she’s not taking anything for granted, especially considering the fact that there are some unknown players entered and she doesn’t want to be in an upset. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

Smith, however, bounced back and won 4-6, 6-1, 11-9 over Sydni Kerr.

Thompson gets back in sync with two-setter over Donaldson It has been a while since Danielle Thompson played a match and in some instances it showed.

But her performance was good enough to propel her to a 6-0, 6-2 decision over 18-year-old Sierra Donaldson.

“I got off to a slow start. I was just getting into the groove because I haven’t played a match since Fed Cup, so I wanted to see where I’m at,” she pointed out.

“I started off a little rusty, but I started to get into my groove and was playing with a lot more confidence at the end. I was training, but I haven’t had any match play before I came here, so it was good to get this one under my belt.”

The 24-year-old graduate of Morgan State where she left an indelible mark as a Bears’ player, said she’s looking forward to making a splash in 2019 when she go on the tour, but she just want to make the top five and return to the Fed Cup team next year as well.

Shepherd duplicate two-set feat over Gibson It was a 6-1, 6-1 win for Chicago State University sophomore Iesha Shepherd over Donesha Gibson, 16. But in the process, Shepherd, 19, suffered a slight right ankle injury in the first set.

“I was on a roll. I was playing well when I had the freak accident and my game just went down,” Shepherd said. “It was a freak accident, I just didn’t know why it happened, but I had to fight through it.

“I’m just glad to be back home.

There’s no place like home. Last year, I didn’t compete because of a wrist injury, but I wanted to come back this year and play much better. Hopefully my injury will hold up.”

The injury didn’t hold up as Shepherd was unable to play her second match against Sydney Clarke later in the day. As a result, Clarke, 18, was awarded a walk/ over victory.

In addition, there was also a no show from Larikah Russell, who lost two of her matches to Elana Mackey and Perjae Major yesterday.

JACOBI BAIN GETS WIN OVER ROLLE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

JACOBI Bain got one of the early surprising victories as the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s 2018 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals Challenge got underway yesterday at the National Tennis Center.

In the week-long tournament, featuring the majority of the top players - both professionally or collegiately - home to compete, rising star Bain emerged with a come-from-behind 2-6, 6-2, 10-8 triumph over veteran Marvin Rolle, one of the perennial male star players.

Other winners on the men’s side were Philip Major Jr, Jody Turnquest and Baker Newman, all of whom played with Rolle last year when the Bahamas emerged out of the American Zone III Davis Cup tie to Zone II for 2019.

And Kevin Major Jr, who missed the last Davis Cup tie, stormed back at home with an impressive two-set victory over Archie Burrows. At the end of the tournament on Saturday, the BLTA is hoping to identify the top five players who will be in the team selection process for the 2019 Davis Cup. Bain upsets Rolle in tiebreaker Jacobi Bain, fresh off his appearance in the final of the Eddie Herr boys under-16 singles, continues to perform well as he rallied back to clinch the upset over Rolle 2-6, 6-2, 10-8.

After taking control of the match in the first set, Rolle was serving at 2-3 when Bain got the break and secured the win.

In the tiebreaker, Bain opened a 4-1 lead, but Rolle fought back as they battled it out right to the end.

SEE PAGE 3

PAGE 2, Tuesday, December 18, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

UB Mingoes lose to STU Bobcats after strong start MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – Kemsy Sylvestre and Justin Smith combined for 49 points for UB but a slew of threepointers from St Thomas University late in the game kept the Mingoes from picking up the win.

The Mingoes led by as much as four early in the game and even held the lead for about 11 minutes of the contest but could not convert late in the second half.

The Mingoes lost 94-69 to the St Thomas Bobcats in the first game of a three-game tour in The Miami area. “We’re still trying to learn how to close out games, we’re down six points with 9:21 to go in the game and then I think fatigue may have played a factor and we didn’t get back on defence and then turnover and no rebounds late in the game, all of that began the implode. When that starts it’s difficult for us to get back into a groove.”

The Bobcats capitalised off 26 UB turnovers by converting the turnovers for 31 points.

“It’s difficult for us to win if we are turning the ball over 26 times in the game,” Rolle said.

Sylvester ended the night with 25 points to go with nine rebounds to lead the Mingoes. Smith put up 24 points, including four threepointers and five steals.

The Bobcats won the three-point battle in the game by going 14 of 28 compared to seven of 24 for the Mingoes.

“I think we are still in the learning mode,” Rolle said.

“Our guys see that they can compete and we are very aggressive for the first three quarters of the game and we do a hell of a job playing UB Mingoes basketball.

“But once fatigue sets in the brain goes and then the legs go and we have to learn to be a bit more disciplined and concentrate and have the stamina to win the best possible way.”

ON THE REPLAY: UB Mingoes lost 94-69 to the St Thomas Bobcats.

Photos: UB ATHLETICS

MOBILE

APP

Take us with you Everywhere you go!

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 18, 2018, PAGE 3

Two potential future NFL players all set for Bahamas Bowl, clinic COLLEGE Football Bowl Month is underway. And once again our very own - the fifth annual Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl - is part of an outstanding lineup on ESPN. Boasting some of the network’s best and brightest stars calling the game, SportsCenter anchor and college football commentator Steve Levy, 1991 Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl XXXI MVP Desmond Howard along with sideline reporter Laura Rutledge are expected to call the 2018 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl.

To make this year’s event even better, on Wednesday December 19, the Youth Football Clinic sponsored

by KFC Nassau, will take place from 3:30 to 5pm at the rugby fields next to the

old Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

The clinic is free and open to boys and girls ages 7-13, and it is held in cooperation between the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl and USA Football.

Registration will take place from 2:30-3:30 p.m., and the clinic will follow from 3:30 to 5pm.

Each registered participant will receive a 2018 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl t-shirt and tickets to the 2018 game on Friday, December 21.

Each participant must also submit a completed event waiver prior to participation.

Conference USA Football coaches, along with student-athletes and staff from the FIU and Toledo football teams, in addition to representatives of the Commonwealth American

THE

PRESS BOX

ELAYA

BY INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZ

Football League (CAFL), will run the clinic, teaching football fundamentals and safety techniques.

Again I applaud KFC Nassau, Makers Wanted and the Ministry of Education for putting this event on. As well as the coaches and student athletes from both programmes, Toledo and FIU. It’s a great introduction for our youth to youth football.

As well as giving the Ministry of Education an up close look at the popularity and the potential of the sport in the Bahamas,

with a possible view of making it a part of the curriculum in government schools.

The Bahamas Ministry of Education will provide bus transportation for the Youth Football Clinic at 2pm to the National Stadium and return after the event from the following locations.

From Prince Charles Shopping Center in the east, and the South Beach Shopping Center, in the west.

Another reason to attend the free clinic is to get a glimpse up close and personal with two potential future NFL players.

According to Chris Trapasso, of CBS Sports, two potential 2019 NFL Draft selections at WR will be on

display in this year’s Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, and working the free clinic.

From TOLEDO Cody Thompson, WR After receiving a medical redshirt last season, Thompson returned to Toledo and displayed his ability as a chain-mover while scoring 10 touchdowns after proving to be a deep threat early in his career at Toledo.

At 6-2 and 205 pounds, Thompson has good size for a boundary downfield option. Teams will be intrigued by his 64-grab, 1,269-yard season in 2016 before his knee injury.

From FIU C.J. Worton, WR After three years in Gainesville with minimal playing time, Worton transferred to Florida

International and was a demon in the open field for Butch Davis’ Panthers this season.

At 6-0 and around 190 pounds, Worton has impressive open-field wiggle and can beat press coverage at the line. He averaged 17.2 yards per grab on 36 receptions in 2018 with six touchdowns. While Worton will likely stay for another season, he is draft-eligible now. Until next week, I’m off to retrieve my Dallas Cowboys and University of Miami Hurricane memorabilia, FIU head coach Butch Davis is gonna have to give me several autographs.

• 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.

SURPRISE! JACOBI BAIN GETS THE WIN OVER MARVIN ROLLE FROM PAGE 1 “It was pretty good. The first set he was all over me and in the second set, I got back into it and I think I played some of my best tennis,” Bain said.

“After I got out all of the nerves in the first set, I started playing much better. I started to give him a better fight. I just wanted to come out here and have some fun and not worry too much about the pressure.”

Bain, just 15 years old, said his goal is to get through to the main draw and play as best as he can.

Despite the loss, 35-yearold Rolle said he enjoyed playing against Bain, one of the country’s rising young stars.

“It’s always fun playing against the young boys,” he said. “He’s an up and coming junior, so I wanted to go out there and enjoy it from start to finish. That is why I play this tournament, to enjoy the competition.”

Rolle said it’s good to see the level of competition where the players are as they look forward to the Davis Cup tie next year.

But he admitted that there is a lot of pressure playing at home because none of them like to lose.

JODY TURNQUEST relaxes after his match yesterday.

YOUTHFUL Jacobi Bain (left) and veteran Marvin Rolle. best against the top players entered. “This tournament means a lot to me because I love to play for my country,” said Major Jr, who was proud to have secured the singles match that helped to advance the Bahamas in Davis Cup this year.

“I like to always go out there and give it my best in this tournament because I want to be able to make the team that is going to Davis Cup.” The 27-year-old Lunn, who has been in training in Coral Springs, Florida under coach David Russell after spending about a year in Canada, said it was a rough match for him.

“I was a little rusty, but hopefully I can improve on my performances as the tournament goes on,” he stated. “This first match was really slow for me. I started off really, really rusty.

But I will maintain better results.”

Major Jr over Lunn in two sets In a showdown between two left handers, Philip Major Jr outlasted Justin Lunn for a 6-3, 6-1 win.

Up a break after the first game, Major Jr was broken

by Lunn and the two battled it out in the first set.

After he managed to settle down, Major Jr picked up his game in the second set and played a lot better.

“It was okay. I had some roller coasters here and there, but I was still able to pull it out,” Major Jr said. “It wasn’t easy playing against Justin. I’m just happy that I got the win.”

With no expectations for the rest of the tournament, Major Jr, 22, said he just wants to go out and play his

Newman prevails over Francis Playing after a hectic three-week schedule in

the Dominican Republic, Baker Newman survived a painful 6-3, 6-3 win over Shannon Francis, 21.

“My body is killing me,” said Newman, whose performance showed especially with his service.

“I was in the Dominican Republic 48 hours ago playing in my quarter-final match, so every muscle on my body is hurting right now.

“This is my fourth tournament in a row in a span of 25 days, so I’m really tired.”

Newman, 23, said instead of playing more singles, he will team up with his brother Spencer, 25, as they concentrate on the doubles competition that was added to the tournament.

• Most notably missing from the tournament is Justin Roberts.

As the only Bahamian player with any ATP computer ranking, 22-year-old Roberts has declined to participate after enjoying a successful campaign at Arizona State University and on the pro circuit.

BFA SENIOR MEN’S LEAGUE STANDINGS THE Bahamas Football Association released the standings for its Senior Men’s League following games played last week in the Roscoe Davies Developmental Centre at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

Teams W L Tie GF GA Diff.

Points Atlantic Division Future Stars FC 3 Dynamos FC 3 Cavalier FC 2 W Warriors Gladiators 1 Baha Jr Blue 0 Oceanic Division W Warriors Titans Renegade FC Bears FC UB Mingoes United FC Baaha Jr Yellow

1 1 2 2 2

1 0 0 2 1

10 17 7 6 4

7 6 11 10 7

3 11 -4 -4 -3

10 9 6 5 1

SUPPORT THE BLOOD BANK

SAVE A LIFE GIVE THE GIFT OF

BLOOD

BECOME A REGULAR DONOR

1 PINT CAN SAVE 3 LIVES GIVE BLOOD - GIVE LIFE

SOME HELPFUL TIPS BEFORE YOU DONATE:

4 You must have eaten at least once for the day.

4 4 2 1 1 0

0 2 1 2 4 4

0 0 2 1 1 0

21 15 16 3 5 2

0 14 7 4 29 11

21 1 9 -1 -24 -9

12 12 8 4 4 0

4 You need at least 30 minutes between your last meal and donating blood.

4 You will need at least 10 minutes rest after donating blood.

4 You can donate blood every 8 weeks.

4 The Blood Bank will do FREE Pre-screening tests to make sure you are healthy enough to donate blood.

BECOME A REGULAR DONOR

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THE BLOOD DRIVES

PAGE 4, Tuesday, December 18, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Three English teams face German opposition in Champions League

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer NYON, Switzerland (AP) — One of the fiercest international rivalries in soccer will play out three times in the last 16 of the Champions League when a trio of English teams take on German opposition.

Five-time European champions Liverpool and Bayern Munich were drawn Monday to face each other, Manchester City was paired with Schalke and Tottenham will play Bundesliga leader Borussia Dortmund.

“It was clear it would be difficult, they are obviously a top side,” said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who lost the 2013 final to Bayern when coaching Dortmund. “For me it’s nice, going to Germany.”

While Bayern is third in the Bundesliga, Liverpool leads the Premier League.

Two goals from former

Bayern winger Xherdan Shaqiri lifted Liverpool to a 3-1 win Sunday over Manchester United.

“They’re the team of the hour. They’re the league leaders in England,” Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said of Liverpool. “They play good football, they’re very physical and they’re full of energy.

The first leg is at Anfield on February 19 with the return match in Munich on March 13.

The draw included nine former champions with a combined 40 of the 63 Champions League or European Cup titles since the competition began in 1955.

Three-time defending champion Real Madrid was paired with Ajax.

Madrid and Ajax have won 17 of those 63 titles those but have never met in a final.

LUIS GARCIA, ambassador for the UEFA Champions League, shows a ticket of Spain’s club Real Madrid CF, during the drawing of the matches for the Champions League 2018/19 Round of 16 at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, yesterday.

(Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)

The potential first-time winners include Paris SaintGermain, which will play Manchester United. The first leg is at Old Trafford on February 12.

PSG is the runaway French league leader and won the toughest group ahead of Liverpool and Napoli, scoring a tournament-high 17 goals.

Man United’s loss at Liverpool left it in a distant sixth place and playing the kind of soccer under manager Jose Mourinho that is almost unrecognisable from its traditionally fearless attacking style.

“We’re obviously not playing well at the moment,” former United player Denis Irwin said at UEFA headquarters after the draw. “But we have got some fantastic players and

a coach who knows how to win, and knows how to win this competition.”

In other matches, Barcelona was drawn with Lyon, Serie A leader Juventus will take on Atletico Madrid and Porto will play Roma.

Man City, also seeking its first title, arguably got the weakest opponent on current form. Schalke is in 13th place in the Bundesliga.

“I would like to play on Wednesday, but I can’t, so we have to wait for February,” Man City sporting director Txiki Begiristain said, noting Schalke has a three-week break coming up. “They have the time to rest. Let’s see how they are in February, and how we are.”

Months after leaving Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the

Spanish city with Juventus for the first leg against Atletico.

The final on June 1 will also be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. The first legs will be played from February 12-20, with the second legs scheduled between March 5-13.

Eight teams which placed third in their Champions League groups entered the Europa League draw.

Napoli and Inter Milan only have to cross the Italian border into neighbouring countries to face Zurich and Rapid Vienna, respectively. Arsenal will travel to Belarus to face BATE Borisov.

Chelsea, the 2013 champion, is at Malmo, while five-time champion Sevilla is first at Lazio.

FIU Panthers and Toledo Rockets touchdown at Atlantis FROM PAGE 1 we’re looking to spread our brand as a football team and university, it’s really exciting.”

Candle said his Rockets are ready to take off.

“You can probably imagine the excitement,” he pointed out. “You always want your bowl trip to be somewhere really warm and somewhere really nice.

This one is obviously the top of the mountain when it comes to that.”

As far as what to expect on Friday, Candle said he just hopes that their players enjoy their week and balance it off with a little bit of fun as they prepare to send their senior class off with a victory.

“We want their last time in the midnight blue and gold to be a memorable one,” he projected. “[I’m excited] to watch our guys interact and enjoy the surroundings and enjoy the setting.

“One thing that gets lost in bowl games is some guys get to see places, whether it’s in the States or outside of the country that they might not have otherwise had a chance to ever see.

I think that’s really cool, that’s really awesome about the bowl setting and how it’s set up.”

Senior wide receiver Cody Thompson said their excitement was brewing from the time they found out that they were coming to the Bahamas.

“A lot of guys haven’t ever been out of the country - my last time was when I was young,” he said.

“Going to the Bahamas is something everyone talks about and dreams about, so I’m really excited to be here.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to play football outside of our home country.”

And with this being his final game in a Rockets uniform, Thompson said he intends to cherish the moment.

“It’s kind of bittersweet.

I’ve had an amazing ride here, an amazing career.

It’s been fun,” he reflected.

“To wrap it up in a different country like the Bahamas is going to be really exciting and something I never thought would be possible.

“I’m excited to go out and try to get a win with this team.”

And he’s looking forward to once again having his support group in the stands cheering for him and Toledo.

“My mom, my dad and my nephew will be out here tomorrow. They’re excited too, they haven’t been out of the country in a

THE Florida International University Panthers and Toledo Rockets arrived at different times yesterday ahead of their closed door practice sessions today in preparation for Friday’s game at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff while and never been to the Bahamas,” he pointed out.

“My nephew is 8-yearsold, so he’s really excited.

My parents travelled to all the games, they’re my biggest supporters.”

Richard Giannini, executive director of the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, said everything is falling into place for what is anticipated to be a grand showdown between the two teams.

“The action starts very quickly and so we are very pleased. Everything is set and we’re ready to go,” he said.

“The teams will practice through Wednesday and polish up on Thursday for the big game on Friday.

“We’re really pleased.

This is our fifth year in a row that we have been coming here. Every year we feel like it’s getting better and better and so we are

really looking forward to a great game.”

With FIU’s close proximity to the Bahamas, Giannini said they are looking forward to them bringing a large following and they will be joined by Toledo with their marching bands participating along with the Bahamas All-Star band, the Royal Bahamas Police Force band and a Junkanoo rushout. And with those teams producing

high powered offences, Giannini said the fans on hand can expect just as much fireworks once the game gets underway.

“Our friend Chris Pika said we will have a track meet on Friday,” said Giannini of the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl’s director of communications. “So come out and see them. They will be moving fast.”

The game will be carried live on ESPN.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 18, 2018, PAGE 5

Ayton and Suns beat the Knicks for 3rd in a row

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Devin Booker tied his season high with 38 points, T.J. Warren scored 17 of his 26 during Phoenix’s 41-point third quarter and the Suns beat the New York Knicks 128-110 last night for their third straight victory.

Phoenix outscored New York 41-17 in the third and went on to win three consecutive games for the first time since March 2-5, 2017. The Suns won only four times in their first 28 games, but are 3 for 3 since.

Deandre Ayton finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns in an impressive start to a five-game road trip, their longest of the season. Lastplace Phoenix improved to 2-13 away from home.

Booker just returned Saturday from a six-game absence with a left hamstring strain and scored 28 points against Minnesota.

He was even better with a game under his belt, hurting the Knicks not only with his perimeter shooting but also going 14 of 15 from the free throw line and grabbing seven rebounds.

Emmanuel Mudiay had 32 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Knicks, who lost for the seventh time in eight games.

Rookie forward Kevin Knox scored 17.

New York played without leading scorer Tim Hardaway Jr because of a sore right heel.

Mudiay came in averaging 18.5 points in his last eight games and was just about there by halftime, with 18 points. Knox had 13 and the Knicks were ahead 66-59.

Things changed quickly in the third quarter, when the Suns went 16 of 22

MINNESOTA Timberwolves’ Robert Covington (33) guards against Sacramento Kings’ Buddy Hield (24), of the Bahamas, during the first quarter last night in Minneapolis.

(AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)

TOWNS, BENCH HELP TIMBERWOLVES TOP BUDDY AND THE KINGS 132-105

By BRIAN HALL Associated Press

PHOENIX Suns’ Deandre Ayton (22) shoots over New York Knicks’ Enes Kanter (00) during the first half last night in New York.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) from the field — with one of the misses being a halfcourt heave as the buzzer sounded.

The game was tied at 79 after Mudiay’s layup but Warren nailed a long 3-pointer to ignite what became a 21-4 finish to the period.

Warren had another 3 later in the run, and Jamal Crawford hit a couple jumpers and had

four assists, including an alley-oop pass to Richaun Holmes.

With their 100-83 lead, the Suns kept up the pressure early in the fourth and quickly put the game out of reach.

UP NEXT Suns: Visit Boston on Wednesday.

Knicks: Visit Philadelphia on Wednesday.

SURPRISING NUGGETS LEADING THE WESTERN CONFERENCE

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer DENVER (AP) — The topic: Denver leading the Western Conference and whether teams are starting to take the Nuggets more seriously.

The look from Nikola Jokic: Nearly expressionless. The Joker doesn’t jest about this subject.

“To be honest, I don’t really care,” Jokic said.

“Because we know that we’re good.”

Denver is missing three starters and still boasts a percentage points lead over Golden State in the conference standings. This marks the latest into a season the Nuggets have been leading the conference since December 18, 1984.

The Nuggets have swagger, confidence and Jokic, the big Serbian centre/ forward/guard who’s blossoming into one of the league’s most hard-todefend players.

“A lot of people just think we are on a hot run right now,” said forward Torrey Craig, whose team has won 10 of 12 heading into tonight’s game against Dallas. “They don’t really believe in us. But I think we have started to open a lot of eyes. We just have to realise how we win.”

Grind it out? They can do that. They’ve already held 13 teams to under 100 points this season. Score it out? The Nuggets can play that game, too. They’re averaging around 109 points this season.

These aren’t the Nuggets of the past.

“We can win 130-128 but I think our guys have bought in to the fact we are a defensive team,” coach Michael Malone said.

“If we have to grind out wins, they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing games but all we care about is the end result. We’re getting the wins and getting it with tough defence and late-game execution.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points and 14 assists in just 21 minutes, Andrew Wiggins scored 17 and the Minnesota Timberwolves got a big boost from their bench in a 132-105 win against the road-weary Sacramento Kings last night.

Derrick Rose added 13 points and a season-high 11 assists while starting for injured point guard Jeff Teague.

Minnesota led by 36 in the first half against Sacramento, which was coming off a 120-113 victory at Dallas a night earlier.

The Timberwolves returned home following an 0-4 trip, including a 141-130 loss at Sacramento.

Buddy Hield scored 21 points for the Kings but didn’t play in the second half. Sacramento coach

Dave Joerger didn’t play any of his starters after halftime.

Considering the travel and the team’s start, Joerger had reason to stick with his reserves.

Minnesota had a doubledigit lead less than three minutes into the game.

Hield tried to rally the Kings, scoring 16 of their first 17 points and hitting his first four 3-pointers before the Wolves’ bench took over.

Keyed by Gorgui Dieng and Josh Okogie, Minnesota started the second half on a 25-5 run. Dieng scored seven of his season-high 15 points during the outburst, but it was the energetic rookie Okogie that had the Timberwolves and their fans celebrating.

Okogie recovered a loose ball on the defensive end and streaked down for an acrobatic dunk. On the next series, he blocked a shot

and fed Dieng with a nolook pass on the other end for a dunk. Following a Sacramento miss, Okogie got out on the break again for an easy lay-in.

The Kings had a scoreless stretch of nearly three minutes on the other side.

The bench brought Sacramento back in the third quarter. With Yogi Ferrell, Troy Williams, Justin Jackson, Skal Labissiere and Kosta Koufos starting the second half, the Kings went on a 21-3 spurt to cut the deficit to 12.

Minnesota slowly recovered with Towns and Taj Gibson leading the way inside. The Timberwolves outscored Sacramento 66-36 in the paint.

UP NEXT Kings: Return home Wednesday against Oklahoma City.

Timberwolves: Host Detroit on Wednesday.

THE

PRESS BOX GHT Y

WITH

NAU

NUGGETS forward Mason Plumlee (24) drives past Raptors forward OG Anunoby in the second half on Sunday. The Nuggets won 95-86.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Malone had one of the best soundbites of the season after a home win over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. There was a strong contingent of Lakers fans at Pepsi Center — just like when Golden State and Boston were in town. “As long as their fans go home disappointed, that’s all I care about,” Malone said. “So the Warriors fans can come in here, the Celtics fans can come in here, the Lakers fans can come in here, but take that ‘L’ on the way out.”

The last part ended up on a T-shirt.

Just a sign of the feistiness of his team. Point guard Jamal Murray has also demonstrated that on several occasions.

Like when he had 48 points against the Celtics on November 5. Trying to reach 50, he shot a longrange jumper at the buzzer with the game decided.

Kyrie Irving took exception and heaved the basketball into the stands.

Over the weekend, Murray and Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook got into a shoving match when the two were jostling

for positioning on a jump ball late in a Nuggets win.

“He tried to move me out of the way,” said Murray, whose team has big wins over Boston, Golden State and Toronto (twice). “He shoved me first. It is what it is. I didn’t do anything.”

All in a night’s work for the Nuggets, who haven’t been to the postseason since 2012-13.

“We have shooters, we have scorers and we have playmakers,” Craig said.

“But we can buckle down and make stops when we need to as well. To have that versatility and different ways to win is huge for us.”

Especially now, with the team missing Will Barton (right hip/core muscle surgery), Gary Harris (hip) and Paul Millsap (big toe).

Point guard Isaiah Thomas (hip) also remains sidelined.

In their absence, Jokic’s stepped up his game, averaging 21.7 points, 11 rebounds and 8.6 assists this month. He’s looking like a good bet to make the AllStar Game.

The Nuggets haven’t had a representative in that contest since Carmelo Anthony in ‘10-11.

LIVEN UP YOUR SUNDAY WITH SPORTING WIT AND WISDOM FROM KISS FM’S RESIDENT ’SPORTS JOCK’ NAUGHTY TUNE IN TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL SPORT

EVERY SUNDAY - 10AM TO 1PM

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 18, 2018, PAGE 7

SRI LANKA 20-3 AT STUMPS ON DAY 3, 1ST TEST VS. NEW ZEALAND

Lyon bowls Australia close to a series-levelling win in Perth

By IHITHISHAM KAMARDEEN Associated Press PERTH, Australia (AP) — Offspinner Nathan Lyon bowled Australia close to victory Monday in the second test on the fourth day with the prized wicket of Virat Kohli to leave India precariously on 112-5.

Needing 287 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series, India slumped to 15-2 at tea, and then 55-4 as Lyon (2-30) dismissed Kohli (17) and opener Murali Vijay (20) in successive overs at the Perth Stadium.

Australia needs five wickets to level the series while India required 175 runs in a minimum 90 overs on the last day.

India won the first test by 31 runs in Adelaide last week to take a 1-0 lead.

Continuing from where he left off in his first innings, Lyon extracted sharp turn and bounce to dismantle the much vaunted Indian middle-order.

In the closing stages, vice captain Ajinkya Rahane (30) cut a catch to Travis Head at point to leave Hunama Vihari (24 not out) and Rishabh Pant (9 not out) to survive 30 minutes before close.

Kohli, who hit 123 in the first innings, pushed searchingly at Lyon, and edged to Usman Khawaja at slip. It was the seventh time Lyon has dismissed Kohli - more than any other bowler.

In the next over, Vijay pushed tentatively at a delivery that spun off the rough and played on.

Lyon, with his 7-97 in the match, extended his tally against India to 79 wickets.

Australia pacemen Mitchell Starc (1-28) and Josh Hazlewood (2-24) struck in tandem to remove K.L. Rahul (0) and Cheteshwar Pujara (4). That was after the pair had frustrated India with a 36-run last wicket stand.

“Still fair amount of work to be done. We need stay disciplined and patient,” Hazlewood said.

“We just need to hit the

By STEVE MCMORRAN AP Sports Writer

AUSTRALIA’s Josh Hazlewood bats during the second cricket test against India yesterday.

(AP Photo/Trevor Collens) right areas (on the wicket) and five wickets is what we need.”

A win will break Australia’s six-match winless streak since beating South Africa in Durban in March.

It was the period marred by ball-tampering that led to three players — captain Steve Smith, and opening batsmen David Warner and Cameron Bancroft

— to be suspended for 12 months.

“It feels like long time between wins,” Hazlewood said. “Every time I play in Australia I feel confident we can take 20 wickets in getting a result. We need to put it to practice more often this summer.”

Swing bowler Mohammed Shami returned a career-best 6-56 to dismiss

Australia for 243 in the second innings.

Resuming on 190-4 after lunch, Australia lost 4-6 off 23 balls with Shami taking 3-5 in eight balls. It was an outstanding effort by Shami in his 38th test after going wicketless in Australia’s 326 all out in the first innings. It was only the fourth time he has taken five wickets in an innings.

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 71° F/22° C Low: 50° F/10° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Partly sunny and pleasant

Patchy clouds

A blend of sunshine and clouds

A couple of morning showers

Cloudy and windy with thunderstorms

Nice with times of clouds and sun

High: 78°

Low: 69°

High: 80° Low: 73°

High: 82° Low: 70°

High: 81° Low: 65°

High: 75° Low: 64°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

83° F

68° F

83°-75° F

86°-69° F

79°-61° F

73°-64° F

High: 69° F/21° C Low: 52° F/11° 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: 74° F/23° C Low: 71° F/22° C

4-8 knots

S

High: 74° F/23° C Low: 63° F/17° C

4-8 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 64° F/18° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 67° F/19° C

MIAMI

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 63° F/17° C

4-8 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 77° F/25° C Low .................................................... 72° F/22° C Normal high ....................................... 79° F/26° C Normal low ........................................ 67° F/19° C Last year’s high ................................. 82° F/28° C Last year’s low ................................... 72° F/22° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday .................................. trace Year to date ............................................... 44.50” Normal year to date ................................... 39.12”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 69° F/21° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2018

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 71° F/22° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 74° F/23° C Low: 68° F/20° C

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.)

3:46 a.m.

3:56 p.m.

2.6 2.3

10:05 a.m. 0.4 10:11 p.m. -0.1

Wednesday 4:35 a.m.

4:48 p.m.

2.8 2.3

10:59 a.m. 0.2 10:59 p.m. -0.3

Thursday

5:24 a.m.

5:38 p.m.

3.0 2.4

11:50 a.m. -0.1 11:47 p.m. -0.5

Friday

6:13 a.m.

6:29 p.m.

3.2 2.5

12:41 p.m. -0.3 ---------

Saturday

7:02 a.m.

7:20 p.m.

3.4 2.6

12:36 a.m. -0.7 1:30 p.m. -0.5

Sunday

7:51 a.m.

8:11 p.m.

3.5 2.7

1:26 a.m. -0.8 2:20 p.m. -0.6

Monday

8:41 a.m.

9:04 p.m.

3.5 2.7

2:18 a.m. -0.9 3:11 p.m. -0.7

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:49 a.m.

5:24 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

2:24 p.m.

2:28 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Dec. 22

Dec. 29

Jan. 5

Jan. 14

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 73° F/23° C

N

S

E

W

4-8 knots

S

4-8 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Opener Tom Latham carried his bat for more than 11-1/2 hours and 157 overs to make a record-breaking 264 in a first innings of 578 which put New Zealand in charge of the first cricket test against Sri Lanka after day three yesterday.

Latham’s score was the highest by any batsman who has carried his bat in test history.

With his steadfast effort, New Zealand gained a 296run lead as it replied to Sri Lanka’s first innings of 282.

In 12 overs before stumps, Sri Lanka’s hopes of a fightback were dashed as it lost both openers and a nightwatchman to end the day at 20-3, 276 behind.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 73° F/23° C

N

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 69° F/21° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 75° F/24° C

4-8 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 80° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 79° F/26° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 76° F/24° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

4-8 knots

3-6 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 NE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots NE at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots NNE at 4-8 Knots E at 7-14 Knots SSW at 3-6 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots N at 4-8 Knots E at 7-14 Knots NE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots N at 4-8 Knots E at 7-14 Knots SW at 3-6 Knots ESE at 4-8 Knots NNE at 6-12 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots SW at 3-6 Knots E at 6-12 Knots N at 4-8 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots NE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots NE at 4-8 Knots E at 7-14 Knots

WAVES 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 77° F 77° F 79° F 79° F 76° F 76° F 80° F 80° F 79° F 79° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 81° F 81° F 77° F 77° F 80° F 79° F 81° F 81° 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, December 18, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Led by Nick Foles, resilient Eagles back in playoff mix SAINTS GET 12-9 WIN OVER THE PANTHERS

By STEVE REED, AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Alvin Kamara had 103 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, the Saints’ defence put the clamps on Cam Newton and New Orleans defeated the Carolina Panthers 12-9 on Monday night to take a big step toward locking up homefield advantage in the NFC playoffs.

New Orleans’ defence, which has been among the best in the league the last six weeks, held Newton to 131 yards passing, sacked him four times and forced two turnovers.

Carolina’s only scores came off a trick play on fourth down - a 50-yard touchdown pass from Christian McCaffrey to Chris Manhertz — and an interception return

by Donte Jackson on a 2-point conversion attempt.

Carolina was held to 247 yards and 13 first downs.

Drew Brees had 203 yards passing for the Saints (12-2), who took a one-game lead in the NFC over the Rams.

The Panthers have lost six straight after a 6-2 start.

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Facing a must win with their Super Bowl MVP backup quarterback leading the way, the Philadelphia Eagles responded like champions.

Don’t write them off just yet.

“We’re still playing for something,” coach Doug Pederson said yesterday, less than 24 hours after Nick Foles led the Eagles to a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. “Our backs are against the wall. We know the nature of where we are, what needs to be done, and I think you saw a little bit of that last night.

Just how well this team kind of came together in all three phases to get this win against a great football team.”

The Eagles (7-7) still need help to get in the playoffs. They can only win the NFC East if they beat Houston (10-4) at home and Washington (7-7) on the road and Dallas (8-6) goes 0-2 or 0-1-1 vs. Tampa Bay (5-9) and at the Giants (5-9).

A wild-card berth is more likely if Philadelphia wins out, though Minnesota (7-61) or Carolina (6-7) has to lose or tie once more or Seattle (8-6) has to go 0-2 or 0-1-1.

“We want to continue to play,” safety Malcolm Jenkins said. “If we want our dreams to continue we’ve got to go take it. ... We’ve got the mentality that we have to go steal whatever it is that we want if we want to continue. It’s not going to be easy; nobody asked it to be. We’re fine with doing something special

EAGLES quarterback Nick Foles, left, passes under pressure from Los Angeles Rams nose tackle Ndamukong Suh during the second half.

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

PHILADELPHIA Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery celebrates after their win against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in Los Angeles. The Eagles won 30-23.

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) and extraordinary. Let’s just take it one week at a time, keep competing and keep having fun.”

Filling in for injured starter Carson Wentz, Foles was excellent against the Rams (11-3). He completed 24 of 31 passes for 270 yards. Foles threw an interception but led the offence to its second-highest scoring output this season in his first start since Week 2.

The veteran played with the same poise and confidence he displayed during the 2017 postseason when he stepped in for Wentz and

led Philadelphia to its first NFL title since 1960.

“He’s like a point guard in basketball, and he just wants to distribute the ball, doesn’t matter where.

He just wants to distribute the ball,” Pederson said. “I think that’s what you see characteristic of great quarterbacks in this league is how well they can do that. They don’t get too high. They don’t get too low. They kind of stay right in the middle. If something negative happens in the game, they brush it off and want to come back to

it again. They will make it right the next time. Our quarterbacks have that type of demeanour and that is one of Nick’s strengths, obviously, and it showed.”

Pederson said Foles will start this week against the Texans but Wentz will remain on the active roster despite a stress fracture in his back.

“We continue to gather information like we do on all our athletes and all our players,” Pederson said.

“The information is favourable and it’s something that was positive for him, positive for us. But at the same time, we have to make sure that he’s 100 per cent or better before we put him back out there. But right now, he’ll be listed as week to week and we will go from there.”

Pederson and offensive coordinator Mike Groh simplified the game plan before playing the Rams, an idea that originated after a 29-23 overtime loss

at Dallas and before it was known Wentz wasn’t going to start.

The Eagles were balanced on offence, running the ball on 30 of 61 offensive plays.

They’re 7-0 this season when they have at least 25 running plays and 0-7 when they don’t.

Foles connected with Alshon Jeffery eight times for 160 yards, including several passes downfield. That had been missing from Philadelphia’s offence much of the season.

“Nick just did a (heck) of a job of just finding me, just throwing the ball and letting me go out and just make the plays,” Jeffery said.

Notes: LB Jordan Hicks (calf) and DT Tim Jernigan (back) could return to practice this week. LG Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and CB Sidney Jones (hamstring) are likely to miss another game.