12192018 SPORTS

SPORTS CLEAN SWEEP SECTION E

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

t was a clean sweep for Kerrie Cartwright, Danielle Thompson, Marvin Rolle and Kevin Major Jr as they closed out round robin play in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s 2018 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals.

Sydney Clarke fell short in joining the quartet, but she was extremely pleased with her 6-1, 6-0 triumph over Donesha Gibson on day two of the week-long tournament yesterday at the National Tennis Centre.

The 18-year-old Clarke was coming off her success in the BLTA’s hosting of the International Tennis Federation’s Goombay Splash Bowl last month when she captured the title.

On day one of the Open Nationals on Monday, Clarke was looking forward to her matchup with former arch-rival Iesha Shepherd. However, Shepherd sprained her right ankle in the first set of her first round win over Gibson and was unable to play Clarke.

“I was ready to play yesterday (Monday), so I had to make it up today,” Clarke said.

“I was kind of sluggish today (yesterday) because I was kind of more excited about yesterday (Monday).

“But I stepped on the court and did what I had to do. I was a little up and down between the sets, but overall I played a good match.”

I

SEE PAGE 3

NBA

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018

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BLUE JAYS HIRE ANTOAN RICHARDSON AS OUTFIELD COORDINATOR

BLTA NATIONALS: CARTWRIGHT, ROLLE, CLARKE, THOMPSON AND MAJOR JR WIN

CENTRE COURT: Kerrie Cartwright (left) and Marvin Rolle in action as they closed out round robin play in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s 2018 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals yesterday at the National Tennis Centre.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

FORMER pro baseball player Antoan Richardson thought his pioneering Major League career was over when he announced his retirement ANTOAN in 2017. It turns out that retirement was just the beginning of Richardson’s baseball journey.

The former outfielder who played with the Giants, Rangers, Braves, Orioles and, most notably, the New York Yankees has been hired by the Toronto Blue Jays as the outfield coordinator in the Player Development Department.

In his new role, Richardson will be responsible for leading a team of coaches tasked with developing Major League prospects in the minors. Commenting on his new role, Richardson said: “It’s humbling to be asked to take on this responsibility.

“I look forward to being a part of a group tasked with developing the best baseball players in the world.

More importantly, developing men and women who will thrive long after their playing careers are over.”

Since his retirement, Richardson has spent most of his time travelling locally and internationally speaking to and encouraging young people on their life journeys. His heart has been entrenched at home, where he volunteers his time, mentoring youth in the Bahamas through Project Limestone - a non-profit organisation he established shortly after his retirement.

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Rockets, Panthers hold first official workout sessions

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER settling in at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, both the Toledo Rockets and the Florida International University Panthers took to the field for their first official workout sessions on Tuesday.

The two teams will practice again today in preparation for Friday’s Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl collegiate football game at 12:30pm in the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium and carried lived on ESPN. Also today, some members of both teams will be giving back by visiting the Ranfurly Homes for Children at 1:30pm and then they will engage in a Youth Football Clinic in conjunction with USA Football and the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, sponsored by KFC, at 3:30pm on the field outside of the old Thomas A Robinson track stadium.

On Thursday, the teams and the organisers, along with government officials and bowl honorary ambassador Ed Smith, will participate in a press conference at 11am in the stadium.

But yesterday, it was all about making the adjustment to their new environment this week in the Bahamas. “I thought we were real good at practice today,” said

TOLEDO Rockets wide receiver Cody Thompson goes for a catch yesterday during their workout session.

Photo: Derek Marckel/The University of Toledo Toledo’s offensive coordinator Brian Wright. “The energy was there. We started off a little bit sluggish, after riding on a plane and the buses and the hotel, but

once we got going I was happy with what we were able to get done.”

Although they are in paradise in the Bahamas, Wright said they

are still concentrating on the task at hand. They come into the game with a 7-5 win-loss record and 5-3 in the Mid-American Conference.

“I think it is the focus out of our

guys when we are working on, to lock in and focus on the details of the game plan and what each of us needs to do to get better,” he said.

“Our motto all year has been to get better, so when we are working on football we want to get better. When we are not working on football the focus is to enjoy yourself and take it all in.”

But Wright admitted that it’s not so easy to stay focused being in the environment at Atlantis.

“The Atlantis is pretty spectacular,” he stated. “I’m looking forward to enjoying it this afternoon with the sun out and the warm weather. I am impressed by the hotel and the hospitality of the people of the Bahamas.”

Toledo’s junior offensive lineman Bryce Harris said just making the trek here was an accomplishment in itself for them, but a more personal one for him.

“This is my first time out of the country,” he stated. “Every time I’ve been on a plane it’s been with Toledo football so this is my first time out of the country.”

He too admitted that the atmosphere at Atlantis is second to none.

“One word – beautiful. Just beautiful,” was how he described the resort. “A nice breeze, sunny weather all the time and good water, so it’s great. The Atlantis

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PAGE 2, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

TOLEDO wide receiver Diontae Johnson in practice.

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TOLEDO defensive linesman Tuzar Skipper speaks to the media.

TOLEDO head coach Jason Candle demonstrates a throw.

Rockets, Panthers hold first official workout sessions FROM PAGE 1 resort is top notch – top of the line. It’s really nice to get away and be able to see the fish, and everything has been beautiful.”

For FIU defensive coordinator Brent Guy, the first day in the Bahamas was beyond their wildest dreams.

“The Atlantis, the water, everything here is beautiful,” he stressed.

“It’s been great, especially when you get to bring kids who may not have ever been here or might not have had the chance in the future. It’s always fun to watch their faces when they get here.”

FIU, with an 8-4 record and 6-2 in the USA Conference, was just delighted to get back on the field, grinding it out for Friday’s showdown.

Guy said it was exactly what they needed.

“You’re always a little bit rusty when you start back up. We did a lot of work before we got here so we didn’t have a really long practice today,” he said after they returned to Atlantis.

“It was pretty sharp and focused for the first time out, so it wasn’t bad. We got a lot of work done before we got here, so hopefully we’ll play well on Friday and give everyone a great game.”

No doubt, the public will get to see the Panthers tackle the Rockets’ potent offensive attack as well.

“They’re very good. They have two good running backs, very patient runners,” Guy reflected.

“They do a lot of pin and pull, which are harder run plays to fit. They have two very good receivers who we need to know where they are all the time. We’ll have our challenges. They can run, they’ll throw, they have an RPO game. They’re a team that’s hard to defend so it’ll be a challenge for us.”

As for their key to success, Guy said it’s quite simple.

“You’ve always got to create turnovers and win the turnover battle,” he quipped. “We’ll have to win third downs and get off the field.”

FIU’s junior defensive back Stantley

Thomas-Oliver III was just as excited about enjoying the island.

“The Bahamas has been amazing. I love everything about it. I love the Atlantis resort. It’s been a good experience, and I’m happy to be here.”

Thomas-Oliver III, however, acknowledged that it was good to get back on the field to work out of the jetlag. “It’s fun, it was exciting,” he pointed out. “We had a good time last night, but at the end of the day we know we came here for a mission and that’s to win the Bahamas Bowl.”

Everyone’s talking about Toldeo’s offence, but Thomas-Oliver III said hopefully they will be prepared for the challenge ahead of them on Friday.

“They’re a very good team. They’re balanced,” said Thomas-Oliver III. “They can run the ball, they can pass the ball. They’ve got a lot of threats in the passing game. “[Bryant Koback] is a good running back, [Shakif Seymour] is a good back, and their quarterbacks [Mitchell Guadagni and Eli Peters], they can make

TOLEDO quarterback Eli Peters throws as Brian Wright, offensive coordinator, looks on.

Photos: Derek Marckel/The University of Toledo plays too. They’re a good team, we’ve got to be on our Ps and Qs playing them.”

He further admitted that the Rockets have to be just as concerned about their Panthers’ attack as well.

“We’ve just got to play our football,” he said. “We can’t let anything change us. We’ve got to play to our standard and just dominate.”

On Friday at 12:30pm in the Thomas A Robinson

National Stadium, the public will know just who has benefitted the most from the ambience that they have experienced here in the Bahamas and, in particular, at the Atlantis resort.

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Wednesday, December 19, 2018, PAGE 3

UB MINGOES KNOCK OFF PIRATES 85-80, BUCKET TOP ELITE 113-104

ANOO set to ‘Walk It Off’ on January 5 AFTER consuming all the ham and turkey over the Christmas holiday, the newly formed ANOO Association and Sports Fellowship Institute will hold a “Walk It Off” event on Saturday, January 5, 2019.

ANOO Association, a cultural and civic organisation that was created to help improve the level of the Bahamian people and SIF, a sporting body designed to assist in the development of sports in the country, will use the event to make a contribution to the Bahamas Diabetic Association.

During a press conference yesterday at the BDA office on Prince Charles Drive, ANOO’s president Clinton Minnis said when they heard the appeal by BDA Director General Eugene Thurston, they quickly responded to lend their support in helping them to secure some much needed financial assistance.

“We thought it was like the miracle in Miami,” Minnis said. “God was working on his behalf and he didn’t know it. So this is something that is critical to the many persons who are affected by diabetes in our country.

“With the demographics of us being the sixth most obese country in the world, we have been challenged to lend support to the Bahamas Diabetic Association to help with their sustainable living platform to help our people live longer.”

“Walk It Off,” as it’s being dubbed, provides a time for persons to get rid of the excess weight that they would have accumulated from the Thanksgiving season to Christmas holiday in an effort to increase the idea of healthy living.

The race is scheduled to start at 6am from the RM Bailey Park and travel south on the East-West Highway, right onto East Street South, north on Robinson Road and east back to the finish line at RM Bailey.

Shantia Kerr, the vice president of operations in the ANOO Association, said they are encouraging families, churches, groups, corporate offices and the public in general to come out and participate.

Categories include male and female 15-and-under, 20-and-under, 30-andunder, 40-and-under, 50-and-under, over-50 and over-70 age groups.

The entry fee is $15 for adults and $10 for students 11 years and younger. Proceeds from the event have been earmarked for the BDA. “It’s a good way for us to kick off a good year of health awareness and to help us to sit fit for the upcoming year,” Kerr said.

“We hope that everybody will be in good spirits out that morning.

“It might be cool, but hopefully we can get in a good walk to start our year off right.”

SHOWN (l-r): Shantia Kerr, of ANOO, Eugene Thurston of the BDA, Clinton Minnis of ANOO and Margaret Daxon and Mario Smith of the BDA announce the “Walk It Off” race set for January 5.

Awards, certificates and gift packages will be presented to the participants.

“We’re just hoping to see a crowd out there to help the Bahamas Diabetic Association with their fund raising,” Kerr said.

Thurston said the main objective of the BDA is to act as a support group for persons who are diagnosed with diabetes.

But he admitted that in recent times, they have been faced with the challenge of finding the funding to carry out their mandate.

“On an annual basis, it takes about $100,000 to fully run this organisation,” he pointed out. “We’re not merely near there.”

With about six or seven programmes and projects on their agenda, Thurston said the BDA is hard-pressed to secure the funding to assist them.

“I am particularly pleased that you (ANOO) have thought about us and we look forward to working with you in the very near future,” he stated.

Margaret Daxon, the education director for the BDA, said their main goal is to sensitise the public on the importance of living their lives past the stage of being diagnosed with diabetes and not think that it’s a death sentence.

“One of the things we do is we teach people how to live a normal life,” she said. “We teach them how to understand that there is hope and that you can conquer this condition.

“We screen you to identify if you have any problems or issues that actually could put you at risk for further complications and if we notice those complications, we

will make sure we can refer you to persons who can assist you or if those complications have moved a little further down the line, where they are not so easily revisable, then we help you to live with those conditions.”

Through their process, Daxon said they also advise the public on what they should and not be eating as well as providing a fitness programme that they can follow.

Registration forms are available at the BDA’s office in the Legacy Plaza, just past BTC and before you get to the Elizabeth Estates Clinic on Prince Charles Drive, or call 356-2349.

Persons can also contact Minnis at 803-6326, Kerr at 558-4295 or Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 for more information.

THE Aliv Bucket and the University of the Bahamas Mingoes pulled off the New Providence Basketball Association’s double header played on Monday night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

In the men’s feature contest, the Mingoes, coming off their trip to Miami, Florida over the weekend for a series of collegiate games, shook off their jetlag to knock off the Caro Contractors Pirates 85-80.

And in the opener, the Aliv Bucket defeated the Basden Elevator Elite 113104 in overtime.

The NPBA will be back in action tonight with a double header. In the opener at 7pm, the Sun Oil Rockets will take on the Leno Eagles Nest and the UB Mingoes will be back in action to face the Discount Distributors Rockets.

The league will then play a triple header on Friday before taking a break for the Christmas holiday.

In the 7pm opener, Your Essential Store Giants will face the Basden Elevator Elite, followed by the Triple K Stampers against the Caro Contractors Resistance and in the feature contest, the Commonwealth Bank Giants will tangle with the UB Mingoes.

BOWL EXECUTIVES DONATE 3,000 BOWL TICKETS TO STUDENTS IN NEW PROVIDENCE MAKERS Wanted Bahamas Bowl (MWBB) executives have donated 3,000 bowl tickets to students in New Providence.

This move was in an effort to introduce Bahamian students to the game of American football.

Partnering in this venture are the Interscholastic American Football Association and Complete Sports Management.

The presentation took place at the office of the Minister of Education.

Richard Giannini, executive director of the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, presented the tickets to Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd.

Giannini said he was pleased to make such a donation to the youth of the Bahamas.

He thanked The Ministry of Tourism, The Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Education for supporting the event, noting that he anticipates the “partnership only growing in the future”.

While accepting the tickets, Minister Lloyd noted that he

MINISTER of Education, Science and Technology Jeffrey Lloyd (third from right) receives Bahamas Bowl tickets for students from Richard Giannini, executive director of the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl. had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

with the Interscholastic American Football Association for the

introduction of tackle bar football into schools on a trial basis. The

Bahamas Bowl is a NCAA Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football bowl game which has been played in the capital since its inaugural year, 2014. It is the first major FBS game to be hosted outside the United States and Canada between two US teams since 1937. For the past four years the bowl has featured teams from the Mid-American Conference and Conference USA. Since its inception until last year, The Bahamas Bowl has been sponsored by the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant franchise.

However, this year, Elk-Grove Village, Illinois has assumed that role, and has renamed the event as the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, December 21 at the TAR National Stadium.

The games will be televised on ESPN and broadcasted on the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl Radio Network. Within a span of four years, the Bahamas Bowl has pumped over $23,000,000 into the Bahamian economy.

BLTA NATIONALS: CARTWRIGHT, ROLLE, CLARKE, THOMPSON AND MAJOR JR WIN FROM PAGE 1

well so I don’t really have much expectations. I rather play good and whatever happens, happens,” Major Jr pointed out.

“I’m going to go out there and leave it all on the court and see what happens.”

With the field of players in the tournament, Major Jr said he’s not going to worry about anyone because he feels they have to be more concerned about his performance.

“You can expect me to play much better the rest of the week,” he projected.

“Win or lose, I will be playing some good tennis.”

The victory in her final junior tournament has really inspired Clarke, who indicated that she’s looking forward to playing the top female players who are home, either from college or playing on the pro circuit.

“My game has improved tremendously since last year, so I’m just hoping to do well in this tournament,” she projected. “The competition is tough. The girls are back home, but I just feel like I have to give it my all.

“I just want to go out there and give it my best shot and play relaxed. I’m not really feeling any pressure right now. I will just play as best as I could.”

Thompson blanks Kinza Johnson Morgan State University graduate Danielle Thompson didn’t allow 14-year-old Kinza Johnson to get into the match. Thompson, 24, applied the pressure from start to finish for her second round victory.

“Today (Tuesday) was a lot better than yesterday (Monday),” Thompson said. “I was able to get into a groove and played my points better. I was more aggressive with my selection of points, so I was happy with my play today.”

Now that she’s into the main draw, Thompson

Rolle in sweep over Michael Butler After losing in a tiebreaker to 15-year-old Jacobi Bain on day one of the tournament on Monday, 35-year-old veteran Marvin Rolle took his frustration out on Michael Butler, easily winning 6-0, 6-0.

HOLDING SERVE: Sydney Clarke (left) and Danielle Thompson in action as they closed out round robin play in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s 2018 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals yesterday at the National Tennis Centre.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff said she’s doesn’t have any expectations, except to play her best tennis and make the Fed Cup team next year.

“I’m actually looking forward to playing doubles with Kerrie (Cartwright),” said Thompson, of her Fed Cup teammate.

“We’ve never really played together, so I’m excited to see how that goes. Also, it’s always nice to be able to play Kerrie.

She’s my role model. I look up to her. So I’m looking forward to that matchup if we have to play each other.”

Cartwright, in her second round match, swept Sydni Kerr in a 6-0, 6-0 decision as well.

Major Jr in sweep over Donovan Ingraham On the men’s side, Kevin Major Jr continues to make

his comeback after missing last year’s tournament as he made his transition from college to the professional ranks.

Major, 23, blanked Ingraham 6-0, 6-0 to clinch his berth in the main draw.

“I’ve been playing pretty

– In two other matches that the players didn’t even have to work up a sweat, Philip Major Jr won by walk-over against Macgregor Woodside and Baker Newman did the same against Bjorn Munroe.

• The tournament continues 9am today with the start of main draw play.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

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Australia wins 2nd test vs India by 146 runs, series 1-1

By IHITHISHAM KAMARDEEN Associated Press PERTH, Australia (AP) — Australia trounced India by 146 runs in the second test to level the four-test series 1-1 on the final day yesterday.

Needing 287 runs to win, India resumed the day on 112-5 and was all out in a hurry for 140 in the second innings, and Australia was home for lunch.

India lost the last six wickets for 42 runs as Australia hurried to its first victory in seven test matches since March when it beat South Africa in Durban.

The No. 1 test team in the world crumbled in the face of fast bowler Mitchel Starc taking 3-46 and offspinner Nathan Lyon 3-39. They were superbly backed up by fellow fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood (2-24) and Pat Cummins (2-25).

“I am relieved personally,” skipper Tim Paine said after the long awaited test win. “It’s hard work ... I am really proud of the competitive and hard cricket we played.”

Both teams were left battered and bruised on a pitch in which cracks were widening at Perth Stadium, the newest test venue.

India, in particular, enjoyed bowling on it, leaving the Australia batsmen ducking for cover. Opener Aaron Finch was forced to retire after taking a painful blow on his hand.

“It was a tough and bruising test,” Paine added.

“Both teams have outstanding fast bowling attacks.

“We have some inexperienced players in terms of test matches played. To get a win like that against the best test team in the world

AUSTRALIA’s Nathan Lyon bowls during play in the second cricket test between Australia and India in Perth, Australia, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Trevor Collens) is going to give them a huge boost of confidence.

“The game tightened up a lot at certain stages and we stuck to our guns and delivered our skills really well under pressure.”

It was an outstanding bowling effort by manof-the-match Lyon, who claimed a match bag of 8-106 after 5-67 in the first innings to secure a crucial 43-run lead to tilt the balance in Australia’s favor.

He has 17 wickets in the series. Lyon has also taken

80 wickets against India in test cricket, the second highest by a spinner.

Lyon is the joint highest wicket-taker in 2018 with 48 at an average of 26.02 in nine tests, alongside Sri Lanka offspinner Dilruwan Perera.

“Australia played better cricket and consistently,” India captain Virat Kohli said. “We didn’t play with the same intensity as we did in the first test match.

“We always had the belief we could do it, but they

were more relentless and pitched the ball in the right area for long enough to put us in trouble.”

Kohli defended his decision to play an all-seam attack by leaving out a specialist spinner. “We never thought as a team that we needed a spin option,” he said. “Nathan bowled really well on this wicket. He was able to get the maximum out of this pitch.”

Kohli batted beautifully for over six hours to anchor the India first innings and

scored his sixth test century in Australia. “When you don’t win you really don’t rank your performance, and at the moment it’s irrelevant because we didn’t get the result we wanted. I want to contribute in a winning cause.”

After Australia scored 326 in the first innings, India replied with 283 runs which was largely built around Kohli’s 25th century in his 75th test.

Australia was then dismissed for 243 when swing

bowler Mohammed Shami claimed a career-best 6-56.

Both captains played down the onfield sledging with Kohli saying, “As long as there’s no swearing and personal attack it is fine.

Little bit of banter is fine ... this is test cricket and it has to be competitive.

Paine added: “It what’s said, and not how much that matters. We played with our skills and not on emotions.”

The third test is set to start on December 26 in Melbourne.

Toronto Blue Jays hire Antoan Richardson FROM PAGE 1

ANTOAN Richardson embraces a young female softball player.

In his new capacity, Richardson believes there will be even more opportunities and doors opened for Bahamians beyond playing on the field.

“My playing days were about continuing a legacy started by five men before me: To keep chipping away at the glass ceiling for others to get through,” Richardson said. “In recent years

we have seen a growth in the professional level and I am excited that there won’t be another 28-year gap between Bahamian Major League baseball players.”

Richardson continued: “I think there are even more opportunities to be had in the sporting industry and we have tapped into it in other sports. Now it’s time to get back into the fight and do my part in clearing down a path that will not only inspire others

to pursue careers off the field but watch Bahamians become coaches, general managers and owners at the highest level in the industry.”

“These are uncharted waters but with God, the support, encouragement, and undying love of family and the Bahamian people, who needs a compass? I’m looking forward to people’s dreams growing even larger than before,” said Richardson.

FORMER pro baseball player Antoan Richardson has been hired by the Toronto Blue Jays as the outfield coordinator in the Player Development Department.

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Wednesday, December 19, 2018, PAGE 5

Manchester City reaches League Cup semi-finals after shootout victory

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer ON a tumultuous day for beleaguered Manchester United, crosstown rival Manchester City advanced to the English League Cup semi-finals to keep in the hunt for trophies on four fronts this season.

Man City beat Leicester 3-1 in a penalty shootout yesterday to stay on course to retain the title and give Pep Guardiola another piece of silverware, hours after his great managerial rival Jose Mourinho was fired by United.

The game finished 1-1 in regulation time, with Kevin De Bruyne marking the first start of his latest comeback from injury with the opening goal from the edge of the area for Man City before Marc Albrighton equalised.

City was surprisingly joined in the semi-finals by third-tier Burton Albion, which won 1-0 at second-tier Middlesbrough to keep its fairytale run going in the competition.

Burton became the first team from the third tier or lower to reach the last four of the League Cup since Sheffield United did so under manager Nigel Clough in 2014-15. Clough now coaches Burton.

In today’s quarter-final matches, Tottenham hosts north London

MANCHESTER City’s goalkeeper Arijanet Muric saves a penalty from Leicester City’s Caglar Soyuncu during a penalty shoot out during the English League Cup quarter-final match yesterday at the King Power stadium in Leicester, England.

Manchester City won 3-1 in a penalty shoot out after the match ended in a 1-1 draw in normal time.

(AP Photo/Rui Vieira) rival Arsenal and Chelsea is at home to Bournemouth.

In a low-quality shootout at the King Power stadium, only four of the eight penalties taken were scored. The decisive one was the

best of the lot, converted high into the corner by Man City left back Oleksandr Zinchenko.

It spared some of the embarrassment of his teammate Raheem Sterling, who attempted

a so-called “panenka” down the middle and only succeeded in chipping it over the bar.

Leicester failed to score from three of its four attempts, with Man City back-up goalkeeper

SAINTS BACK ON TOP OF AP PRO32 POLL, CHARGERS CLIMB TO NO. 2

By SIMMI BUTTAR AP Sports Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are feeling quite at home on top of the NFL.

The Saints enter the final two weeks of the regular season with the best record in the league at 12-2. They finish the regular season with two games in the Superdome and are a win away from clinching SAINTS’ Alvin Kamara (41) runs past Panthers’ Kawann Short (99) in the second half on Monday night.

(AP Photo/Mike McCarn) home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. And the Saints are back on top of the latest AP Pro32 poll.

The Saints received 11 of the 12 first-place votes for 382 points in balloting yesterday by media members who regularly cover the NFL. The Saints moved up a spot a day after holding off Carolina 12-9 on Monday night.

“On a night when Drew Brees didn’t have his magic touch, it was a rapidly improving defence that carried the Saints to a huge win over Carolina that keeps them in the lead for all-important home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs,” said Newsday’s Bob Glauber.

The next two positions belong to the AFC West.

The Los Angeles Chargers received the other first-place vote and jumped two spots to No. 2 following their thrilling 29-28 win over the Kansas Chiefs on Thursday night. Philip Rivers threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, including a winning 2-point conversion in the final seconds.

“Nobody is having more fun playing football than 37-year-old Philip Rivers, who has inserted himself squarely in the MVP conversation,” said Ira Kaufman of Fox 13 in Tampa, Florida.

The Chiefs fell two places to No. 3.

The NFC North champion Chicago Bears gained two spots to No. 4 after they earned their first playoff appearance in eight years with a win over Green Bay. “The Chargers and Bears are playing better than any

of the other contenders at the moment,” said Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

The Los Angeles Rams dropped two spots to No. 5 after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.

The Houston Texans gained a place to No. 6 after rallying past the New York Jets. The Texans (10-4) are the No. 2 seed in the AFC and are at the Eagles on Sunday as they try to avoid playing on wild-card weekend next month.

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers followed in the poll. The Patriots fell two spots to No. 7 after losing 17-10 on Sunday at Pittsburgh, which moved up two spots to No. 8.

“Finally beat (Tom) Brady,” Fox Sports’ John Czarnecki said of the Steelers earning their first victory over the Patriots since 2011.

New England is the No. 3 seed in the AFC, but closes with home games against Buffalo and the Jets.

“Without a first-round bye, Patriots won’t be reaching a third straight Super Bowl,” said Alex Marvez of SiriusXM. Pittsburgh has a halfgame lead over Baltimore in the AFC North, but faces a challenge as the Steelers meet the Saints on Sunday.

The Indianapolis Colts, in the hunt for a wild-card spot in the AFC, also gained two places to No. 9.

And the Seattle Seahawks rounded out the top 10 as they fell two spots after their overtime loss at San Francisco.

The Seahawks host the Chiefs on Sunday night as they look to close in on a playoff spot.

Arijanet Muric saving two of them. “He’s got veins of ice,” De Bruyne said of the 20-year-old Kosovan goalkeeper, who was making only his third appearance for the Premier League champions.

Leicester manager Claude Puel made seven changes to his team, despite the League Cup being his best chance to win silverware this season.

Guardiola won two trophies last season — the League Cup and the Premier League — and has the strength in depth in his squad to seriously challenge for every title possible this season, too.

City has qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, where it was given a favourable draw against Schalke, and is second in the Premier League — a point behind Liverpool.

Guardiola offered his condolences to Mourinho, who arrived in Manchester in the same summer of 2016, but hasn’t enjoyed the same success as Guardiola.

“I am always sad for the manager when that happens,” Guardiola said. “We are alone in that situation. I am close to all of the managers. You are sacked when results are not good. “He doesn’t need me, he is so strong.

I wish him all the best and he will be back soon.”

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Wednesday, December 19, 2018, PAGE 7

Mourinho fired by Man United with his career at crossroads

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer WANTED: A coach to restore Manchester United to its former status as a major force in European soccer.

It was a task that proved beyond even Jose Mourinho.

United brought an end to Mourinho’s turbulent 2½-year spell at the storied English club by firing him yesterday, an inevitable move that follows a pattern of bitter endings at the Portuguese coach’s recent teams.

“Be careful,” Mourinho said to reporters and photographers through the open window of a car that whisked him away from the city-centre hotel where he lived throughout his time at United.

Indeed, these are worrying times for both United, which is arguably at its lowest point since the departure of long-time manager Alex Ferguson in 2013, and Mourinho, whose illustrious coaching career

is at a crossroads as critics question if his abrasive approach, on and off the field, still suits modern-day soccer.

United said it will not hire a permanent replacement for Mourinho until the offseason. The club will soon appoint a caretaker manager for the remainder of the season and a page on United’s website suggested it will be former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Under a video of Solskjaer celebrating after scoring the winning goal for United in the 1999 Champions League final, a post read: “Solskjaer becomes our interim manager, 20 seasons after clinching the Treble with THAT goal at Camp Nou...”

No official announcement has been made, however.

The end for Mourinho at English soccer’s most prestigious club came two days after a 3-1 loss at fierce rival Liverpool, the latest reminder of just how far United has slumped behind the top teams in the Premier League and Europe.

— but failed to capture a trophy in his second season, although runner-up spot in the league was its highest finish since Ferguson left.

Mourinho has historically encountered problems in his third season in charge at clubs he has managed, and it was no different at United. His relationship with Paul Pogba, United’s record signing at $116 million and the marquee arrival in Mourinho’s reign, appeared broken following a spat that started in the offseason.

Pogba, who hasn’t started for United in its last three games, wrote on Instagram “Caption this!” alongside a picture of him smirking in a post published soon after the announcement of Mourinho’s departure. It was quickly deleted.

Mourinho has also publicly criticised other players, including Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial, during his reign. By the end, it felt as if Mourinho was unloved and increasingly alienated.

Tellingly, the only public message from a United

MOURINHO (AP) It was a result that left United sixth in the Premier League, 19 points off the lead after 17 games and, perhaps more significantly, 11 points off the top four in the race to secure Champions League qualification for next season. It is United’s worst 17-game start to a league campaign since the 1990-91 season.

“The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future,” United said in a three-line statement released after Mourinho was told of his fate in a face-to-face meeting with executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.

United won two titles in Mourinho’s first season — the English League Cup and the Europa League

player in the hours following Mourinho’s departure was that post by Pogba.

Mourinho, who oversaw the outlay of $470 million on players while at United, also appeared to have a fractious relationship with Woodward especially since the club’s board failed to back his wish to sign a central defender in the offseason. United has already conceded more goals in the league (29) than it did in all of last season.

Then there was United’s pragmatic and often-ponderous style of play under Mourinho that always seemed at odds with the team’s preference down the years for free-flowing, attacking play. Mourinho’s approach and tactics appear out of date and have been bypassed by younger, more forward-thinking managers.

After Sunday’s loss at Anfield, Mourinho said his players were brittle and couldn’t cope with the intensity and physicality of Liverpool — historically United’s biggest rival. United also lost 3-1

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 62° F/17° C

TAMPA

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Intervals of clouds and sun

Increasing clouds

A couple of morning showers

A couple of showers and t‑storms

Sunshine mixed with clouds, breezy

Partly sunny

High: 79°

Low: 71°

High: 82° Low: 73°

High: 81° Low: 64°

High: 75° Low: 64°

High: 77° Low: 67°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

83° F

71° F

85°-71° F

79°-60° F

75°-64° F

77°-65° F

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ABACO

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High: 76° F/24° C Low: 72° F/22° C

6‑12 knots

S

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 70° F/21° C

6‑12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 71° F/22° C

E S

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W

WEST PALM BEACH

W

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

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.

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uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 73° F/23° C Low: 64° F/18° C

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 69° F/21° C

MIAMI

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 71° F/22° C

7‑14 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 78° F/26° C Low .................................................... 68° F/20° C Normal high ....................................... 79° F/26° C Normal low ........................................ 67° F/19° C Last year’s high ................................. 81° F/27° C Last year’s low ................................... 70° F/21° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ............................................... 44.50” Normal year to date ................................... 39.13”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 71° F/22° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2018

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 72° F/22° C

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KEY WEST

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

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

Tuesday

9:33 a.m.

10:00 p.m.

3.4 2.7

3:11 a.m. ‑0.8 4:03 p.m. ‑0.6

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 75° F/24° C

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4‑8 knots

S

3‑6 knots

ANDROS

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

tiDes For nassau

6:49 a.m.

5:24 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

3:05 p.m.

3:25 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Dec. 22

Dec. 29

Jan. 5

Jan. 14

CAT ISLAND

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to neighbour Manchester City in the league in recent weeks in another display that highlighted the team’s demise.

A serial winner of trophies throughout his coaching career — his title haul currently stands at 25 — Mourinho arrived at Old Trafford in 2016 as a supposed quick fix for United following its struggles after the retirement of Ferguson three years earlier. David Moyes, Ferguson’s handpicked successor, and Louis van Gaal departed after 10 months and two years, respectively.

Mourinho lasted only marginally longer. He was at United the same length of time as he was in his previous job at Chelsea, when he was also fired just before Christmas in 2015 in his third season after accusing his players of “betraying” him. Having signed a new contract with United in January until June 2020, the Portuguese coach will reportedly receive compensation of 24 million pounds ($30 million).

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 76° F/24° C

N

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 72° F/22° C

S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

3‑6 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 80° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

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

H

E

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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: 83° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

N

E

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E

W

N

S

S

4‑8 knots

4‑8 knots

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

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS E at 6‑12 Knots S at 10‑20 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 3‑6 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 4‑8 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots S at 12‑25 Knots NE at 3‑6 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 3‑6 Knots S at 8‑16 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots NE at 3‑6 Knots SSE at 10‑20 Knots

WAVES 2‑4 Feet 4‑8 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 4‑7 Feet 0‑1 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 4‑7 Feet 0‑1 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 3‑5 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 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 76° F 76° F 80° F 80° F 79° F 79° F 81° F 81° F 78° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 80° F 80° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 82° F 77° F 78° F 81° F 81° F 79° F 79° F

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PAGE 8, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Nets hold off Lakers to extend winning streak to six games

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — D’Angelo Russell had 22 points and a career high-tying 13 assists against his former team, and the Brooklyn Nets ran the NBA’s longest winning streak to six games by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 115-110 last night.

Joe Harris added 19 points and Spencer Dinwiddie scored 18 for the Nets, who last won six in a row from March 25 to April 3, 2015.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson finished with 17 points and Jared Dudley made some big baskets down the stretch to score 13.

LeBron James bounced back from his lowest-scoring game of the season with 36 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, but the Lakers finished 1-3 on their road trip. Kyle Kuzma had 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Lonzo Ball scored 23 points.

Brooklyn continued its recovery from an eight-game skid by holding on in front of a loud, large crowd that alternated cheering when the Lakers seized the momentum and when the Nets regained it.

Brooklyn led 100-87 with 7½ minutes to play before back-toback 3-pointers by Kuzma and Ball made it 100-93. James then scored inside, blocked a shot on the other end and scored again, capping a 10-0 run.

Dudley and Dinwiddie answered with drives, and Dudley hit two more baskets to settle the Nets before Russell’s 3-pointer made it 113-107 with 22 seconds remaining.

The Nets had scored 70 points in the first halves of their last two games, and were almost on pace in this one after taking a 33-32 lead after one quarter.

They trailed by five with under three minutes left in the half before a 13-3 finishing surge for a 62-57 lead.

Brooklyn then used a 12-0 run to turn a two-point edge into its largest lead, going ahead 79-65 on Hollis-Jefferson’s three-point play with 7:27 remaining in the third quarter.

LIN’S BIG 4TH QUARTER LEADS HAWKS PAST WIZARDS, 118-110

By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer

LAKERS’ LeBron James (23) drives past Brooklyn Nets’ Jarrett Allen (31) during the first half last night in New York.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) The Lakers trimmed it to five late in the period on a 3-pointer by James and the Nets led 90-83 going to the fourth.

James was limited to 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting in a loss to Washington on Sunday and things started rough for him in this one, as Jarrett Allen denied his attempt at a dunk with a sensational block on his first attempt.

James was called for travelling the next time he had the ball before finding his groove.

TIP-INS Lakers: JaVale McGee missed his second straight game with flulike symptoms. The Lakers were 5 of 6 from 3-point range in the first quarter, with Ball going 3 of 3. Then they went 1 for 10 in the second.

Nets: G Allen Crabbe missed his third straight game because of a sore right knee. The Nets snapped an eight-game skid against West teams with their first win since November 9 at Denver.

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HELP ON THE WAY Rajon Rondo (right hand surgery) and Brandon Ingram (sprained left ankle) were recalled from the South Bay Lakers, where they were on rehab assignments.

Coach Luke Walton said Ingram was still limited at practice yesterday but Rondo wasn’t, adding the hope was that both could go full speed when they rejoin the Lakers in practice on Thursday.

Rondo has missed 17 games and Ingram has sat out seven.

ATLANTA (AP) — Jeremy Lin scored 12 of his 16 points in the final period and the Atlanta Hawks overcame Bradley Beal’s 29 points for a 118-110 victory over the Washington Wizards last night.

Seven players scored in double figures to help the last-place Hawks (7-23) stop a three-game skid.

John Collins had 20 points and 13 rebounds, while rookie Trae Young scored 19. Lin’s big fourth quarter included a dribble fake that sent Thomas Satoransky falling backward, leaving Lin open for a jumper and a 103-93 lead. Lin added a layup on Atlanta’s next possession.

Trevor Ariza started at forward and had 19 points in his return to the Wizards.

Beal grabbed 10 rebounds.

Kevin Huerter’s 3-pointer pushed Atlanta’s lead to 113-98. Ariza hit two late 3s to cut it to 116-109, but the Wizards never made another serious threat.

Washington guard John Wall, coming off his 40 points and 14 assists in a 128-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, was scoreless in the first half and finished with 15 points.

The Hawks scored the first 10 points and didn’t give up the lead until Washington opened the second half with six straight points, including Wall’s first points on a short jumper to tie it at 58. Wall’s assist set up Thomas Bryant’s go-ahead basket for the Wizards’ first lead. Following an 82-all tie entering the final period, a jam by Collins gave Atlanta a 95-88 lead.

NANCE’S TIP GIVES CAVALIERS RARE ROAD WIN AS PACERS’ STREAK ENDS

By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Larry Nance Jr put himself in perfect position to make the final play last night.

After outwrestling Victor Oladipo in front of the basket, the Cleveland Cavaliers centre waited patiently as he anticipated Rodney Hood’s errant layup then threw up his right hand and barely beat the buzzer.

Nance finished with 15 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, six assists and the first game-winning shot of his pro career to give the Cavaliers a rare 92-91 road victory. It ended Indiana’s seven-game winning streak.

“I told Hood to put the ball up on the rim with a couple seconds left so I can see if I could do something with it,” Nance said.

“He made a good move and did exactly that. I was lucky enough to get a hand on it.”

The shot set off a wild scene in which Cavs players began mobbing Nance before the replay review confirmed the call. Even some of Cleveland’s injured players joined the celebration Inside the Pacers locker room players watched the replay, which appeared to show Nance tossing Oladipo to the ground and lamented the lack of a whistle.

Still, Pacers coach Nate McMillan knew it should have never come down to that play. Indiana came into the game as the league’s hottest team but lacked the intensity, passion and precision that had defined the first part of this season.

Eventually, it cost them.

On a night six Cavs players scored in double figures, including Hood, who had 17 points, Indiana shot a dismal 39.8 per cent from the field, was 4 of 22 on 3-pointers and lost for the first time this season when allowing fewer than 97 points.

the course of an NBA season, but you can’t dwell on it too long because the next one’s coming in less than 24 hours.”

CAVALIERS’ Larry Nance Jr (22) reacts after tipping in the game winning shot last night.

Cleveland won 92-91.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings) With 9.5 seconds left, the Pacers still led 91-90 with Oladipo shooting two free throws.

But when he missed both, the Cavs got one more chance after calling timeout — and Nance made them pay.

“Larry was terrific, even beyond the putback,” Cleveland coach Larry Drew said. “I thought he did a phenomenal job.

Offensively, he made some terrific passes. He took good shots, he got to the offensive glass, and defensively he really competed.”

Domantas Sabonis had 17 points and eight rebounds while Bojan Bogdanovic added 14 points for the Pacers, who seemed to get caught overlooking one of the league’s worst teams with a showdown at Toronto looming Wednesday.

“We didn’t come ready to play. Cleveland played hungrier than we did,” Doug McDermott said. “That’s going to happen throughout

TIP-INS Cavaliers: Alex Burks had 14 pints, Cedi Osman had 13 and Collin Sexton had 12. ... Matthew Dellavedova scored 10 points and has reached double figures in all five games he’s played since Cleveland reacquired him in a recent trade. ...

The Cavs played without Kevin Love (left foot surgery), Jordan Clarkson (sore lower back), Tristan Thompson (sprained left foot) and John Henson (left wrist surgery). ... The Cavs improved to 3-11 on the road though their streak of consecutive games with 10 or more 3s ended at seven.

Cleveland was 6 of 31 from beyond the arc.

Pacers: Had a two-game home winning streak against the Cavaliers end. ..

Indiana is now 14-4 against Eastern Conference teams this season. ... Myles Turner had 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. ... Bogdanovic has scored in double figures in 22 consecutive games, the longest streak of his NBA career. ... The Pacers are 10-1 when holding opponents to 97 or fewer points this season. ... Indiana last won seven straight in January and February 2017.

NO RESTRICTIONS Oladipo wound up with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists on 4 of 15 shooting Tuesday.

But after returning from a sore right knee last week, the injury already seems like a distant memory to McMillan. Before the game, McMillan acknowledged Oladipo is under no restrictions and the injury has almost disappeared from the conversation since Friday’s victory at Philadelphia. “We’ve gone back to normal with him. There haven’t been any setbacks,” he said.