Category Archives: sports

Villanova Flushes the Royals, Defeats Queens NC 94-74

After a tough loss in the opener against BYU on Monday, the Wildcats bounced back with a convincing win over Queens University of Charlotte. Villanova never trailed throughout the game, with their largest lead reaching 22 points.

Leading the Wildcats in scoring once again was sophomore guard Bryce Lindsay, who poured in 25 points along with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. While Lindsay wasn’t as effective from beyond the arc, he compensated by going 10-for-11 from the free-throw line.

Freshman guard Acaden Lewis recovered nicely from his rough debut, scoring 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. He also contributed 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 35 minutes of play, impressively committing no turnovers.

Lewis wasn’t the only freshman to step up after their first collegiate game. Freshman Matthew Hodge dominated inside, going 8-for-10 from the field on his way to 18 points. This interior strength was a major theme for Villanova, as they outscored the Royals 62-38 in the paint.

Leading the paint dominance was senior center Duke Brennan, who had a monster game with 17 points and 20 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards. Brennan has been a consistent presence inside for Villanova on both ends of the floor.

The Wildcats were once again short-handed, playing without junior forward Zion Stanford (ankle) and freshman guard Chris Jeffrey, who suffered an ankle injury in practice on Friday.

Queens University was led by senior Nasir Mann, who scored 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Villanova was effective in limiting Royals’ standout Chris Ashby, who managed only 11 points on just 5 shot attempts.

Villanova’s next opponent is Sacred Heart, with the game scheduled for Tuesday night at the Finneran Pavilion.
https://www.vuhoops.com/villanova-wildcats-sports/31741/villanova-flushes-the-royals-defeats-queens-nc-94-74

Lamar Jackson Warns Ravens After 3rd-Straight Win

Three straight wins and a victory in his 100th NFL start aren’t enough to make Lamar Jackson completely satisfied. The star quarterback has sent a clear warning to his Baltimore Ravens teammates about maintaining momentum after their 27-19 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.

Speaking after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, November 9, Jackson told reporters, including ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, “There’s still a lot of ball left, you know? You gotta stay locked in. You can’t get complacent or nothing like that, you gotta stay locked in.” While addressing the media, Jackson’s message was really aimed at his own team— a tacit warning not to get too buoyed by their recent mini revival.

This is a timely message from the team’s key playmaker and natural leader. Jackson knows the suddenly red-hot Ravens can go much further than their current 4-5 record. If they do, it will be thanks in large part to the continued excellence of the two-time NFL MVP, who’s thriving back at the controls of their offense.

### Lamar Jackson Powering Ravens’ Revival

Even though Jackson threw for only one touchdown—a two-yarder to All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews in the fourth quarter—he underlined his value to the Ravens in multiple ways. He rushed nine times for 36 yards and, more importantly, stayed efficient against pressure from the Vikings defense.

Jackson was always going to be under siege from a Vikings defense designed and called by Brian Flores. Known as one of the most creative and blitz-happy defensive coordinators in the league, Flores lived up to his reputation by sending extra rushers after Jackson early and often.

Fortunately for the Ravens, No. 8 adapted his game brilliantly to beat the blitz. The Vikings blitzed Jackson on 58% of his dropbacks Sunday—the 5th-highest rate of his career. Jackson reacted by getting the ball out of his hands quickly, averaging only 4.1 air yards per attempt, which was his lowest average in a game with 20+ attempts in his career, according to ESPN Research cited by Hensley.

Leaning into the quick game was how Jackson found a way to win. This approach has defined his century of starts in the pros, even if Baltimore’s QB1 wasn’t fully aware of his own career milestone.

### Lamar Jackson Not Focused on History

Jackson told Hensley he didn’t “know anything about” this being his 100th start, “but it’s cool to get a win on the 100th start, that’s pretty dope.” Whether or not Jackson was as oblivious to history as he claims, he remains the player who largely determines whether the Ravens win or lose. He’s also the player who safeguards the fate of head coach John Harbaugh.

Jackson has faced pressure earlier this season, but Harbaugh knows when Jackson is healthy, anything is possible. Perhaps that’s why Harbaugh proclaimed after the win in Minnesota, “In his mind, he’s just beginning,” as reported by Hensley.

Harbaugh had better hope so, because Jackson staying upright and on form is still the best chance for the coach—who has led the team since 2008—to finally deliver another championship.

### Looking Ahead: Staying Locked In

Talk of a title remains nothing but hot air for this season’s Ravens, who first have to get firmly back into playoff contention. It’s why Jackson, the man most responsible for making that happen, is letting his teammates know they can’t rest on their laurels after rebounding from four straight losses.

Staying locked in, maintaining focus, and continuing this revival will be key for Baltimore as they aim to turn momentum into sustained success down the stretch of the season.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/baltimore-ravens/lamar-jackson-warns-john-harbaugh-vikings/

Browns will stick with Dillon Gabriel as their starting QB

The Browns will not change quarterbacks for their Week 11 game against the Ravens.

In a press conference following Sunday’s 27-20 loss to the Jets, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked if Dillon Gabriel will remain the team’s starter. The coach confirmed that he plans to give the rookie his sixth straight start.

“We’re gonna stick with Dillon,” Stefanski said. “Obviously this is a young player, you’re always trying to get one game better and those types of things. We have to play better as an offense, we have to coach better, all of the above.”

Gabriel completed 17-of-32 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns while being sacked six times in Sunday’s loss. Although a number of his incompletions were major misses, Stefanski is not yet ready to see what Shedeur Sanders might bring to the helm of the offense in Cleveland.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/browns-will-stick-with-dillon-gabriel-as-their-starting-qb

Jets logran touchdowns en devolución de kickoff y vencen 27-20 a Browns

Por DENNIS WASZAK Jr.

EAST RUTHERFORD, Nueva Jersey, EE. UU. (AP) — Nueva York logró touchdowns en un retorno de kickoff y un retorno de despeje en el mismo juego por primera vez en la historia de la franquicia.

Además, Breece Hall recibió un pase de pantalla de Justin Fields de 42 yardas para la anotación.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/09/jets-logran-touchdowns-en-devolucin-de-kickoff-y-vencen-27-20-a-browns/

Giants completely fall apart after Jaxson Dart concussion in brutal loss to Bears

**Giants Suffer Another Heartbreaking Collapse in 24-20 Loss to Bears at Soldier Field**

CHICAGO — The New York Giants relived their worst nightmare Sunday night. Just like three weeks ago in Denver, the Giants’ defense blew a double-digit fourth-quarter lead after dominating play for the first three quarters. Only this time, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart wasn’t around to keep fighting back, having failed a concussion test between the third and fourth quarters.

Head coach Brian Daboll’s lack of faith in benched veteran Russell Wilson — and Wilson’s own hesitancy — was apparent in the final minutes. The question now looms: can Daboll and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen survive another collapse, marked by allowing two touchdowns in the last four minutes of a 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears at a blustery Soldier Field?

Caleb Williams ran for the go-ahead 17-yard touchdown with 1:47 remaining, after a long run that took the Bears down to the Giants’ 2-yard line on the previous drive. Williams also threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Rome Odunze to start the Bears’ comeback.

One of Daboll’s most regrettable decisions came with 10:19 left in the game when he opted for a field goal from the 1-yard line. While this put the Giants ahead by two scores, 20-10, it proved insufficient against a defense struggling to close out games in today’s NFL.

The Giants’ defense did make a crucial fourth-down stop — their third of the game — while holding a 10-point lead. However, it wasn’t enough. The Bears responded with a 91-yard, 2:17-minute drive culminating in a touchdown that tightened the score, causing the Giants to retreat into an offensive shell.

A three-and-out drive was punctuated by Wilson taking an 11-yard punt, and Jamie Gillan compounding the field position disadvantage with a shanked 26-yard punt.

This meltdown mirrors the Giants’ recent collapse against the Broncos 21 days ago, when they allowed 33 points in the fourth quarter and squandered a 19-point lead in a season-defining loss. Both devastating performances now contribute to the Giants’ franchise-record-tying 10-game road losing streak.

In challenging conditions that included sideways snow flurries and a depleted roster featuring third-string running backs and receivers, Jaxson Dart was nearly flawless during his three quarters on the field. He amassed 308 yards from scrimmage and scored two rushing touchdowns before exiting due to concussion protocol.

Russell Wilson, who was benched after Week 3, reminded fans why during his late-game stint as he threw four straight incompletions to end the game, sealing New York’s fate. Wilson finished with 45 passing yards, but 41 of those came on a catch-and-run by Devin Singletary, who made a crucial play during the drive that led to an 18-yard field goal, putting the Giants ahead 20-10.

**CHECK OUT THE LATEST NFL STANDINGS AND GIANTS STATS**
https://nypost.com/2025/11/09/sports/giants-fall-apart-after-jaxson-dart-concussion-in-loss-to-bears/

Steelers Have Second Opportunity at Training Camp Safety Standout

The Pittsburgh Steelers could use additional safety depth, and recently, safety Sebastian Castro became available.

Castro, who began the season on the Steelers’ practice squad, was waived from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ active roster on Saturday. According to FOX Sports’ Greg Auman, the Buccaneers are “expected to sign back” Castro to their practice squad on Monday. However, before that can happen, Castro will need to clear waivers.

The Steelers have an opportunity to put in a claim for the safety before the 4 p.m. ET waiver deadline on Monday. Alternatively, General Manager Omar Khan could attempt to sign Castro directly to the Pittsburgh practice squad if he clears waivers.

Castro was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in May. He quickly endeared himself to fans as a potential diamond in the rough during training camp and the preseason.

With the possibility of adding a promising safety like Castro, the Steelers could bolster their depth at the position as the season progresses.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/sebastian-castro-waivers-buccaneers-release-nfl-news/

“Not my responsibility to have to tell you”: Aaron Glenn snaps at the question on Jets’ starting QB between Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has chosen not to outrightly name a starting quarterback ahead of his team’s Week 10 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

This decision keeps the quarterback position uncertain as the Jets prepare for an important game in the NFL season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for any updates on the team’s final roster decisions leading up to the game.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-not-responsibility-tell-you-aaron-glenn-snaps-question-jets-starting-qb-justin-fields-tyrod-taylor

Clayton Kershaw says Dodgers 2017 World Series loss to Astros has an ‘asterisk’

Very few players have exited the game the way Clayton Kershaw has. Fresh off helping the LA Dodgers win the World Series, Kershaw capped off a nearly two-decade career with the team. However, there is one thing he can’t let go of—and from his perspective, understandably so.

During an appearance on his teammate Mookie Betts’ podcast, *At Bat with Mookie Betts*, Kershaw expressed strong feelings that the Dodgers were unfairly treated in the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros. While he didn’t put it quite so bluntly, his sentiment was clear: “There’s an asterisk on that one,” he said.

Kershaw was reflecting on the last Game 7 he pitched in a World Series, where the Dodgers lost 5-1, ultimately losing the championship. However, the legitimacy of the Astros’ win was called into question after it was revealed they had orchestrated an elaborate sign-stealing scheme. This scandal compromised their title, leading to sanctions against many involved personnel. According to the record books, the Astros defeated the Dodgers, but the controversy has lingered ever since.

This isn’t the first time Kershaw has spoken out about the issue. In 2023, he emphasized the need to distinguish the Astros’ sign-stealing from other teams that have also stolen signs.

Interestingly, during the 2017 World Series, Blue Jays slugger George Springer faced backlash from Dodgers fans—largely because he was named the World Series MVP.

### How the Dodgers Were Caught in the Web of Sign-Stealing by Other Teams

The 2017 scandal wasn’t the first time the Dodgers were victimized by sign-stealing in a high-stakes series. Back in 1951, when the Dodgers were still based in Brooklyn, they were locked in a fierce battle with the then-New York Giants.

The Giants mounted a remarkable comeback, erasing a 13.5-game deficit by winning 37 of their final 44 games to tie the Dodgers in the National League standings. This deadlock set up a three-game playoff.

On October 3, 1951, Bobby Thomson hit what became known as “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” securing the series win for the Giants. Years later, it was revealed the Giants had been using a sign-stealing system involving a telescope positioned in the back of the Polo Grounds.

As a result, many argue that the Giants effectively stole the pennant. However, history has shown this claim to be inconclusive, considering the Giants’ strong overall offensive performance throughout the season.

The lingering debates over these sign-stealing incidents highlight the complexities of fairness and legacy in baseball history—an issue that continues to resonate with players like Clayton Kershaw and fans alike.
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/dodgers-news-clayton-kershaw-2017-world-series-astros

Lakers’ Austin Reaves won’t play vs. Hawks due to groin injury

LeBron James is currently dealing with sciatica and has yet to suit up this season. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic has already missed four games due to finger and lower-body injuries. Adding to the Lakers’ woes, Austin Reaves is being ruled out for the third consecutive contest because of a right groin strain, according to NBA correspondent Marc Stein.

Despite these setbacks, the Los Angeles Lakers (7-2) are surging through adversity and climbing toward the top of the Western Conference standings. While it’s still early in the season for fans to get overly excited, there was a time when these key absences would have severely impacted the team’s performance.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has done an excellent job laying down a solid foundation that his players can rely on when challenges arise. Even though a skilled scorer and impactful playmaker like Austin Reaves will be out of action against the Atlanta Hawks (4-4) on Saturday, there is reason to believe the Lakers can still thrive.

The Hawks have their own injury concerns, as All-Star point guard Trae Young is recovering from a sprained MCL. Redick can also depend on Doncic to step up on offense if necessary. However, a healthy Austin Reaves remains integral to the Lakers’ championship hopes.

Reaves, 27, is currently averaging 31.1 points on 48.9% shooting, along with 9.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Beyond these impressive numbers, he has embraced his increased workload during LeBron James’ absence. If Reaves can maintain this outstanding form throughout the season, the undrafted native of Newark, Arkansas, is poised to sign a significant contract next summer—with a $14.8 million player option at the end of this season.

While Reaves is undoubtedly eager to return to the court, he will trust teammates like Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and the rest of the squad to secure a win in Atlanta.

Tip-off against the Hawks is scheduled for Saturday at approximately 8 p.m. ET.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-austin-reaves-wont-play-vs-hawks-groin-injury

“No such verdict has been passed” – Former India opener’s big claim after Mohammad Shami is snubbed for IND vs SA 2025 Tests

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has dismissed social media claims suggesting that Mohammad Shami’s international career might be over after he was not included in the Indian squad for the home Test series against South Africa. Chopra emphasized that the experienced Bengal fast bowler can definitely make a comeback if he continues his wicket-taking form in domestic cricket.

Shami has missed a significant portion of international cricket due to injury and fitness issues following his impressive performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. The 35-year-old last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in Dubai earlier this year. Prior to that, he was part of the T20I squad against England at home. However, Shami has not played Test cricket since the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval.

Despite picking up 15 wickets in three matches during the ongoing Ranji Trophy season for Bengal, Shami was overlooked for the two-match Test series against South Africa.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra urged fans and critics not to be disheartened and insisted that Shami will get opportunities again as long as he maintains his performance at the domestic level.

“I won’t say that it’s curtains. Many on social media are claiming that you won’t see Shami playing for India again. I don’t think that’s the case. No such verdict has been passed by the jury. He can get a chance again provided he keeps picking up wickets and lasts an entire season,” Chopra said.

Chopra further added, “There are a lot of vacant slots for premier fast bowlers. There are injuries and workload management as well. There are lots of matches being played across formats, so I don’t think that will be an issue. Don’t worry about it. Shami’s name will come.”

Mohammad Shami has so far featured in 64 Test matches, claiming 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. In addition, he has taken over 200 wickets in ODIs and 27 scalps in T20Is.

### Akash Deep Preferred Over Mohammad Shami for India vs South Africa 2025 Tests

From the team that recently faced the West Indies, India made only two changes to the 15-man squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. A fit-again Rishabh Pant has returned in place of N Jagadeesan, while Prasidh Krishna was replaced by Akash Deep.

Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, supported once again by Mohammed Siraj. Siraj was the leading wicket-taker during the demanding five-match Test series in England, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 32.43. Bumrah played three Tests in that series and took 14 wickets at an average of 26, while Akash Deep impressed with 10 wickets in the Birmingham Test.

The selectors’ preference for Akash Deep over Shami in the current Test squad highlights the competitive nature of fast bowling slots in the Indian team, but as Aakash Chopra noted, Shami’s experience and skills mean he remains very much in contention, provided he continues strong domestic performances.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-aakash-chopra-big-claim-mohammad-shami-snubbed-ind-vs-sa-2025-tests