Day: December 31, 2007

Reaching Hawaii a rough trip for WeekleyReaching Hawaii a rough trip for Weekley

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were among four PGA Tour winners who decided to stay home from the Mercedes-Benz Championship and the start of the 2008 season. Boo Weekley thought he might be staying home, too, although not by choice. He left his tiny town in the Florida Panhandle at the crack of dawn Friday and didn’t arrive in paradise until the early morning hours Sunday.

Vandy moves to 13-0, its best-ever startVandy moves to 13-0, its best-ever start

Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings stomped his foot on the ground, threw his arms in the air, then took a seat on the bench and covered his face. Watching the Commodores play defense can be frustrating. Luckily, Stallings’ team doesn’t have a problem scoring. No. 15 Vanderbilt got out to the best start in school history Monday, beating Iona 97-73 behind A.J.

Finally healthy, Kentucky tops FIU 92-49Finally healthy, Kentucky tops FIU 92-49

Kentucky's Patrick Patterson shoots over Florida International players Russell Hicks, left, and Kenneth White during the second half of their basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Monday, Dec. 31, 2007. Patterson scored 20 points in his team's 92-49 win.

It was a meaningless free throw in a game long since decided, but the Rupp Arena crowd rose to cheer on Derrick Jasper anyway. The Kentucky guard had missed his three previous free throws badly, but this time, bending his surgically repaired left knee, the ball fell through. The shot was the last of Jasper’s four points in Kentucky’s 92-49 romp over Florida International on Monday, but for a player…

Dayton ranked for first time since 2003Dayton ranked for first time since 2003

Dayton was impressive with its road win over Louisville. The Flyers went a lot further with their 25-point rout of previously unbeaten Pittsburgh last weekend, a victory that moved them into Sports Betting News’ Top 25 for the first time in four years. “That kind of win was maybe shocking to everybody, including myself, but I hope the ranking is for the 12-game body of work to this point of the…

Bruins top Thrashers to end 6-game skidBruins top Thrashers to end 6-game skid

Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas, left, makes a save on Atlanta Thrashers right wing Marian Hossa during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Boston on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.

A friendly sibling rivalry turned out favorably for Mark Stuart and the Boston Bruins. Stuart’s goal broke a tie a period after brother Colin scored his first NHL goal for Atlanta, and the Bruins ended a six-game skid with a 5-2 victory over the Thrashers on Monday. “It was nice,” Mark Stuart said. “He one-upped me earlier so I had to do it.” Boston’s first goal of the game — a power-play score by…

Fox thinks he’ll be back with PanthersFox thinks he’ll be back with Panthers

Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox speaks to the media during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 31, 2007. Fox said at his season-ending press conference Monday that he planned to return to lead the Panthers in the 2008 season.

A day after Carolina finished out of the playoffs for the second straight year, John Fox remained confident that he’ll return as the Panthers’ coach. But speculation about Fox’s status won’t end until owner Jerry Richardson makes his decision public. When asked Monday if Richardson would finally address the status of Fox and general manager Marty Hurney, team spokesman Charlie Dayton said it was…

Ravens fire Billick after 5-11 seasonRavens fire Billick after 5-11 season

Brian Billick was fired as coach of the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, less than a day after his team concluded a disappointing 5-11 season. Players were told of the dismissal as they packed up their lockers at the team’s practice facility. Billick won the 2001 Super Bowl in his second season with the Ravens, and led the team to a franchise-best 13-3 record in 2006.