Opening Day: The Yankees Win

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Derek Felix

Opening Day was a success in the Bronx earlier with the Yankees defeating the Tigers 6-3 before 48,000 or so who braved the elements. The first ever March baseball game saw the Mark Teixeira deliver a “Teix Message” and Curtis Granderson morph into “The Grandy Man” with each going yard to make a winner of reliever Joba [Jaw-bah] Chamberlain, who tossed a 1-2-3 seventh.

C.C. Sabathia wasn’t great but battled through adversity, including permitting only a run around a bases loaded no out second threat. The big southpaw who dropped some 30 pounds in hopes of a new extension- allowed only two earned on sac flies while fanning seven in six frames. Sabathia threw 106 pitches (70 strikes) before giving way to a Yankee pen which should be a huge weapon, featuring Joba, David Robertson, Boone Logan, new setup man Rafael Soriano and the best closer in the business, Mariano Rivera.

Not shockingly, Chamberlain, Soriano and Rivera each tossed scoreless innings to hold the Tigers at three. In fact, no Tiger reached base with each Yankee reliever striking out one, including Mo freezing former Yankee prospect Austin Jackson to end the game for career save No.560.

Sabathia’s counterpart Justin Verlander threw gas to get out of a two out threat in the first. After walking Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez, he got Robby Cano swinging on a wicked 96 heater. Verlander has some of the nastiest stuff featuring a tough changeup. However, a loss of focus in the third cost with Teixeira bombing his first into the second deck. New catcher Russell Martin had an auspicious debut, getting the Yanks’ first hit of 2011 and stealing third after Verlander lost Derek Jeter. After Martin swiped third, a Teix message was sent a bit early for the notoriously slow starter. Perhaps that’s cause the calendar still read March. It was nice to see Teixeira swing the bat.

“I’ve been petitioning the league to start in March for years. “Finally they let us start in March because everybody knows my Aprils,” Teixeira joked. “It’s great to start this way. … Last year was awful, it was embarrassing.”

Detroit scratched out a run each in the fourth and fifth highlighted by a Brandon Inge RBI single down the third baseline. Some good hustle by Brett Gardner kept the Tigers from scoring more. The speedy left fielder also sacrificed twice, including a dangerous run to first where he landed awkwardly with Miguel Cabrera covering. Luckily, he didn’t turn his ankle. A Cano error allowed the Tigers to tie it. The All-Star second baseman dropped a routine throw off a sacrifice, giving Detroit two baserunners with no one out, which they parlayed into a Cabrera sac fly. But Sabathia battled back by K-ing Victor Martinez to end the half inning.

Verlander dialed it up to pitch out of a jam, fanning eight over seven innings before giving way to former Yank Phil Coke. Jim Leyland’s decision to send in the lefty to face Granderson backfired in one swing, with Grandy taking Coke deep to right for the go-ahead run. Jeter tacked on another run with a short fly to center that still allowed the speedy Martin to beat a good throw from Jackson.

Nick Swisher’s runscoring single plated A-Rod for the final tally in the eighth on a dreary cold 40 degree day in the Big Apple.

“It was great—except for the weather,” said Granderson after taking part in the Opening Ceremonies that included former Yankee starter Mike “Moose” Mussina tossing out the first pitch.

“That’s the way we drew it up,” pleased Yankee skipper Joe Girardi said.

The Yankees and Tigers met for the first time in the Big Apple on Opening Day since 1966 with Detroit prevailing 2-1. Today’s lineup that included an outfield of Gardner, Granderson, Swisher along with an infield of Rodriguez, Jeter, Cano and Teixeira was the first time since 1926-27 that the Bronx Bombers began consecutive seasons with the same starting outfielders and four infielders. The only change was behind the plate with Martin debuting while Jorge Posada shifted to DH. Credit goes out to the always reliable Elias Sports Bureau for that remarkable gem.

Thankfully, the Yanks and Tigers get a day off with rain/snow expected before reuniting Saturday with A.J. Burnett going against former Florida ’03 World Series teammate Brad Penny. Max Scherzer opposes Phil Hughes in the series finale Sunday.

The Mets open tomorrow in Florida for the 9,887th time. Other Opening Day winners included Atlanta shutting out the Nationals 2-zip behind Derek Lowe and the Reds scoring four in the ninth, including a three-run walkoff blast from Ramon Hernandez to stun the Brewers 7-6.

We’ll have much more baseball stuff tomorrow, including some predictions.

Hanging Tough

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Derek Felix

As usual, it wasn’t easy for the Knicks after giving up a preposterous 68 points in the first half to the Nets. Alright. As J-Beck says, Knicks/Nets is a rivalry even if it’s not quite on the level of Rangers/Devils or even Yankees/Mets. And those who know me know I hardly view Yanks/Mets that way because they’re in different leagues. Unless they’re facing each other more than six times a la the Glory Days when this town ruled baseball, it really shouldn’t matter.

Back to the Knicks, who outscored the Nets 62-48 in the second half to erase a 10-point halftime deficit. Embarrassing would be one way to describe the first 24 minutes where the Nets got whatever they wanted. Deron Williams returned after six games to rest his wrist and sparkled throughout. The Nets scored at will in the paint with Brook Lopez and Kris “Kardashian” Humphries cleaning up. When Anthony Morrow wasn’t connecting from downtown (4 triples) en route to a team high 30, Lopez and Humphries shared a dunk-a-thon to Bronx cheers from The Garden.

Sure. Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups were in synch- combining for 95 points. But without better attention on the defensive side, they don’t post their second straight win. Something Billups made sure to point out after what must’ve been a heated locker room at the break.

“This was a big game for us. We’ve got a lot to lose, they don’t. They just looked like they wanted it more than we did and we talked about that,” Mr. Big Shot said. “We came out immediately in the second half and just kind of turned the tide, momentum kind of went our way.”

When they all agreed that their first half was ‘unacceptable,’ that bodes well. A couple of nights after struggling to put away a shorthanded Magic, they knew they had to follow up with another ‘W.’ You knew the Nets would come hard. Especially with Deron back running the show to the tune of 22 points, eight dimes and eight rebounds. The kind of performance the electrifying former Utah All-Star’s capable of even if he missed a gimme that may have forced overtime in the waning seconds.

“I thought he was off a little bit, but man, he made some big plays for us,” Nets coach Avery Johnson noted. “Big shots, timely 3′s, good assists. But you could see there at the end, maybe he just ran out of gas a little bit.”

“Hopefully as we get better and mature, we can form a better rivalry,” Williams added.

Perhaps if Williams didn’t rush his final shot when he was more open than thought, it’s a different story. The do everything floor general also took a quick three in the final minute that didn’t come close. It was a couple of days prior that Billups forced up a three that allowed Orlando to force OT. Those types of baffling decisions are what frustrate us most about today’s game. Too often, star calibre talent are settling instead of taking the rock hard to the rim. As Justin said, what’s the rush? Use more clock and work for the good shot. Something Gene Hackman’s infamous Norman Dale would emphasize to Hickory in the classic Hoosiers.

It was the Knicks who got the job done, isolating Melo against Net waste of space Travis Outlaw for an easy deuce from about eight away on the left baseline. That’s where Anthony makes his living, reaching unguardable status in the game. Now, we’re seeing his best with three consecutive 35+ performances, becoming the third NBA player to accomplish that this season (Monta Ellis, LaMarcus Aldridge).

“It feels good, especially right now, the time that it’s happening,” a pleased Melo stated. “Must-win situations, games that we really need coming down the stretch, getting into the playoffs, it’s almost perfect timing for me to get into a groove like that.”

The Knicks (37-38) are now 9-12 with the former Nugget megastar. So much of it depends on Billups’ legs. When he returned from injury, the team struggled with Chauncey unable to guard anyone and inconsistent offensively. Last night, the big trio was more balanced, spreading the floor and creating better spacing.

While the offensive explosion was nice to see, credit Mike D’Antoni for utilizing Shelden Williams off the bench a fourth straight game. The big man provided a lift with solid D while also finishing strong twice. Jared Jeffries also atoned for his blunder with an outstanding effort, grabbing seven boards, four steals and even setting up teammates twice. Vet backup Anthony Carter also saw some big minutes in the final stanza, netting four and handing out five assists- even working well with Billups.

On a night they got nothing from Landry Fields and little production from supersub Toney Douglas, the orange and blue did what had to be done. We’d still like to see the talented rookie from Stanford look more comfortable with the more star-studded lineup. They must remember to involve Fields, who does many things well but suddenly isn’t as noticeable since the big trade that sent cohesive ex-mates Ray Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Timofy Mozgov to Denver.

In order for these Knicks to have any postseason success, they’ll need Fields to contribute. Finding the right chemistry is essential along with putting together a consistent 48 minutes on both ends. It’s still a work in progress but at least they’re finding ways to win.

Melo carries Knicks to big win

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Derek Felix

The Knicks were reeling, losers of six in a row to mostly inferior competition. With the team suddenly five under .500 since acquiring superstar Carmelo Anthony from the Nuggets who have since surged, questions surrounded whether it was still a good deal. Could Melo and Amar’e Stoudemire coexist in the Big Apple? Is former Finals MVP Chauncey Billups really a dinosaur Denver dumped on Donnie Walsh? The lack of an interior presence had allowed weak teams like the Pistons, Bucks and Bobcats to score at will.

With nothing going right and the radio airwaves beginning to roast Mike D’Antoni for the lack of focus his team showed, the Knicks’ newest star stepped up with a virtuoso performance last night, carrying the orange and blue to a much needed 113-106 overtime win over Dwight Howard and the Magic at MSG. The former Syracuse star who led the Orange to the ’03 NCAA championship exploded for 33 of his game high 39 after intermission, including a 19-point third quarter. Scoring in a variety of ways including on a deadly pull-up in isolation while getting to the line at will, Melo backed up his talk about his new team needing the game.

“I said that. That’s how I felt, that’s how we felt as a team, that it was a must win for us,” the former Nugget said after also chipping in with 10 rebounds, posting a double double. “We, as a team, backed it up tonight.”

The best sign was that Anthony stayed aggressive, taking the ball to the rim instead of just settling on the perimeter. Too frequently during the Knicks’ six-game losing streak, he forced the issue while teammates stood around and watched. Monday saw a more confident Melo who not only took his team on his back but played with intensity defensively. Something that was encouraging on a night they celebrated Knicks legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s birthday a day early with a sweet Snickers treat basket presented to the Hall Of Fame color analyst by the Knicks City Dancers during a timeout.

What made it doubly sweet was that Clyde got to call a win with every Knick playing with extra determination. The kind that’ll be needed for the team to have any chance in the first round of the playoffs. It improved the team to 36-38, staying two games in back of the hot 76ers, who upset the top seeded Bulls yesterday. The Knicks remain in good shape, four games up on eighth Indiana and five clear of Charlotte with the tiebreaker.

One win can go a long way to improving a team’s psyche. While the offense relied mostly on Anthony in isolation sets with the big star coming through, Stoudemire still finished with 20 and nine boards while Billups finally got his shot to go late in regulation- going an inefficient three-of-nine from downtown with 17 points, six boards and six assists. Most notably, Stoudemire played good D even though he didn’t draw the assignment on Howard, who despite pacing the Magic with 29 and 18, struggled with turnovers and lost his cool late after an iffy call, getting hit with his 17th technical.

“There’s nothing you can do about it now. I just went for the rebound,” Howard said of his sixth foul on Billups during a board battle.

“I think that should have been a delay of game,” he pointed out after tossing the ball down the court in frustration. “Every time you roll the ball down the court, they usually call a delay of game, but it’s cool, you know. I’ll try to get it rescinded. If not, I’ll just have to continue to play.”

Despite pulling it out, it didn’t come easy for D’Antoni who watched in disbelief as former pupil Jason Richardson drained a three that forced OT when defensive sub Jared Jeffries erred by not even putting a hand up. Undoubtedly, he was questioned for not fouling afterwards. At least his team responded after Anthony just missed winning it on a tip try of his own shot as regulation ended.

“Carmelo helped, he was on fire out there.” Stoudemire said. “They had no answer for him, and then we played great defensively, we got after it, chasing down loose balls, really, really showing the effort to want to win and it showed tonight.”

In the extra session, the Knicks didn’t back down, getting a key trey from Billups who pointed to the heavens as if to say, “Finally.” Following an Orlando miss, Chauncey found Melo for an easy transition jam that put New York on top 108-104. They would put it away at the line after Howard watched from the Orlando bench.

Toney Douglas had a good night, scoring 16 off the bench, including some timely hoops down the stretch. Shelden Williams also saw some important minutes against Howard, contributing defensively with two steals and three rebounds. Though he didn’t score, his impact helped the Knicks get crucial stops. Bill Walker also dusted off his jersey for a pair of three’s and two steals in 14-plus.

Orlando was without starting point guard Jameer Nelson, who was missed in crunch time. They also played without sharpshooter J.J. Redick. Stan Van Gundy’s fourth seeded club still put four starters in double figures including J-Rich with 24 (4 treys), Hedo Turkoglu (18) and overlooked power forward Brandon Bass (14). Aside from a late three from the corner, former All-Star Gilbert Arenas looked washed up, going 2-for-11 from the floor while misfiring on six-of-seven three’s. Pretty sad.

Ex-Knick Chris Duhon was greeted with Bronx cheers in his 12 minutes.

The Knicks host the Nets tomorrow and then their Kryptonite, Cleveland on Sunday. These are winnable games that could get them back to .500 and in position to at least go 41-41.

Johnnies Gone Zagging

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Derek Felix

It was a familiar feeling last night in Mile High for St. John’s. I guess the NCAA crack committee wasn’t too kind when they rewarded our first team to make the Big Dance since 2002 Gonzaga, who’s in their 13th straight March Madness.

Nine years prior, the Red Storm were stopped by the Zags for a place in the Sweet Sixteen, 82-76 out West. However, that was a heavily favored No.2 seed many liked to make its first Final Four since 1985. Yesterday was different for Steve Lavin’s scrappy sixth seeded bunch who were no match for Mark Few’s tourney tough Zags. What started out promising with Justin Brownlee sinking a three and a bucket for a 5-0 lead turned into a familiar nightmare for St. John’s fans.

Once the unfriendly 11th seed settled in and worked the ball to behemoth Robert Sacre, the Zags took full advantage of their size, scoring at will in the paint while holding a ridiculous edge on the glass (43-20). With the 7-foot monster hurting the Johnnies for nine points and nine rebounds along with 6-7 forward Elias Harris damaging the smaller Red Storm for 15, eight boards and three assists, it opened the perimeter up for Steven Gray, who hit four daggers on his way to 16 while spreading the wealth with five assists, six boards and a pair of steals.

“Their size was able to dominate at the rim and in the lane at both ends of the floor,” said Lavin who also played without icon Lou Carnesecca who couldn’t make the trip due to feeling ill.

“We haven’t been outrebounded like that all year.”

When your best rebounder is valuable small forward DJ Kennedy who sat helplessly on the bench inspiring his teammates, you’re in trouble. Unfortunately for what’s been a storybook season that saw our school become relevant again with 21 wins, they picked the wrong game to have an off night.

Full credit must be given to Gonzaga, who executed a great strategy using their size to draw doubles and reverse the ball to either Gray or leading scorer Marquise Carter, who paced the Zags with 24 including three treys while notching six rebounds and six helpers in a brilliant performance. Three-point shooting wasn’t supposed to be the Zags’ strength but as often is the case when you control a size edge, it forces the opposition to pay more intention to the interior. Gonzaga couldn’t miss, using a 10-0 run to surge ahead by eight.

With them also doing a stellar job neutralizing Dwight Hardy, it forced other St. John’s players to step up. In the first half, Paris Horne did all he could to keep them afloat netting 10 of 11, including two from downtown. Hardy, who still paced everyone with 26, didn’t score until the eight minute mark thanks to a swarming defense that gave him special attention.

Brownlee had a decent showing, finishing with 14 but it wasn’t enough against a hot team that entered on a nine-game win streak. It remains a mystery how they were seeded so low. Even if it was a down year for the West Coast, Gonzaga has proven they’re capable around this time and have a proven track record. Even if Kennedy had played, it likely wouldn’t have mattered. That’s how impressive the Zags were.

For St. John’s, they forced the issue on offense with Hardy blanketed. Kennedy replacement Sean Evans struggled with just four and six rebounds. Horne cooled off after a hot start and Brownlee was hot and cold even though he drained a long two to cut the deficit to 11 at the half.

Lavin tried Malik Boothe at the point to get Hardy free, which worked in the second half. However, he earned all 26 with most coming on nice finishes off drives. The former JFK star went 10 of 23 from the field and hit three of seven three’s along with three free throws. Most of the year, when Lavin’s team played well, they spread the ball. Thursday, that wasn’t the case with them totaling only nine assists while the Zags doubled up with 20. St. John’s also had some sloppy turnovers that led to easy transition baskets, putting them down by as many as 17.

Everytime they got close, someone from their tough opponent responded. Usually, a three from either Gray or Carter that took the wind out of their sails.

Sometimes, that’s how it is in this tournament. One minute, you’re as high as a kite dreaming of dancing all the way to the Final Four in Houston. The next, your season’s over. For 10 seniors who sacrificed so much to bring back respectability to this program, it was the end of an Era. One they can all hold their heads high and be proud of.

“When they get out a month, two, three months, you know, a year, five years from now, they’re going to look back and realize that they brought St. John’s basketball back,” Lavin pointed out. “While it doesn’t take the sting away from this loss, they set the bar high for anyone that follows.

“They gave our coaching staff a ride of a lifetime.”

That more than anything has been what 2010-11 is all about. Sure. It might’ve ended quicker than expected but did anyone have our school beating the likes of Duke and Pittsburgh when each was No.1? Or blowing the doors off cocky Uconn coach Jim Calhoun and Player Of The Year candidate Kemba Walker? Quality wins against Notre Dame, Georgetown, West Virginia and Marquette will be remembered along with the 8-2 record at MSG. Only Syracuse got the better of them with the rematch much closer.

So, the dream ends for this special group. Hardy. Kennedy. Boothe. Evans. Horne. Brownlee. Sixth Man Justin Burrell. Malik Stith. Fan favorite Dele Coker. Rob Thomas. That’s who it’s all about. Ten players every St. John’s alum should remember for their dedication and hard work.

It’s definitely a bittersweet day. I hate Gonzaga for good reason. Two losses in a row to that team from the middle of nowhere. But they are good and an example of a program that I hope our university aspires to be. This is just the beginning for Lavin, who delivered one of the top recruiting classes in the land. He also saw some positives from athletic freshman Dwayne Polee, Jr. who didn’t look phased by the situation. More than you can say for an overrated reality dud.

There’s much to like about the direction St. John’s is headed. It finally feels like the sun will shine brightly on the Big East school in Queens. Let’s Go Redmen! Let’s Go Johnnies! Go Red Storm! Do It For DJ!

Nine Years Later, Johnnies return to Madness

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Derek Felix

March Madness is already underway with some brackets hurt by Rick Pitino’s decision to let Morehead State take a three, which beat his Louisville Cardinals- giving the 13th seeded underdogs the first major of upset of the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

Sometimes, that’s how it goes for a Big East school that overachieved during the season, reaching the Big East Final before falling to Uconn and the Bronx’s own Kemba Walker in a memorable conference tournament best known for the Huskies winning five games in five days to become the ultimate champion. No matter what happens the rest of the way for Jim Calhoun’s group, they’ve accomplished something special. It’s amazing to think that they played five straight times and won all five. Now, they are a No.3 seed out West people like to make the Final Four. The question becomes will they show signs of fatigue when they take on pesky Bucknell in a few minutes.

Playing that many games can work against you, which makes you wonder if Louisville was ripe for the picking. Of course, losing top scorer Preston Knowles to an ankle injury had a lot to do with the outcome. But Pitino’s failure to play more aggressive allowed Demonte Harper enough space to drain a deep trey for the upset. Did Louisville get fouled at the end? Even Charles Barkley agreed but also made the point that it would’ve been a terrible call to make after how Morehead State outplayed Louisville. Officials rarely want to be the deciding factor. So, Pitino’s bunch goes home, taking the Big East tourney record of 11 down to 10.

“The coach said, ‘Hey, I dreamed about this last night, this exact situation,”’ Harper said. “He said, ‘I know exactly who I’m going to. I’m going to put it right in your hands, Demonte.’ He said, ‘At 6 seconds, I want you to attack and pull up and hit the shot.’ I hit the shot. It feels unreal right now.”

Talk about your ultimate dream scenario coming true. For Princeton, they had similar visions this afternoon against Kentucky, taking them to the buzzer. The Tiger fought back from four down thanks to two tough shots in the final 60 seconds. However, John Calipari put the ball in the hands of freshman Brandon Knight, who prior to the final possession was 0-for-7 from the field. None of that mattered as he made a slithering move to the right and got off a tough runner that coolly banked home with 2.0 left. Princeton used its final timeout and didn’t have a Pete Carrill ’96 miracle in it the way a backdoor bucket shocked defending champ UCLA 43-41.

“I think we prepared this whole week to beat these guys, and you know, our team believed that we could do it,” senior center Kareem Maddox explained after his off balance bucket cut it to two. “I mean, I don’t know if there was one moment where the switch kind of flipped, but you know, I just think we knew what kind of team we had and what kind of heart we had, and we knew we could compete.”

That’s what makes this tournament so great. These kids believe in each other that mission impossible is possible. It’s how the spunky 12th seeded Richmond Spiders edged No.5 Vanderbilt in the dreaded 5/12 game. One which Vandy had two chances to force overtime but were brutal in turning it over twice with forgettable possessions. In another match up, West Virginia didn’t fall victim to the trap game, holding off Clemson.

This is what you get on Day One of the Big Dance. Forget the four play-in games with the NCAA actually referring to it as Round One. It’s when the field is set at 64 that people start caring unless you’re from one of those schools who snuck in. Of course, Virginia Tech and Colorado will wonder how they didn’t make it ~~along with VCU~~ because someone’s bubble always bursts, usually unfairly. But that’s what you’re dealing with.

For St. John’s, it’s their first appearance since 2002 when a team led by Erick Barkley was a No.2 seed out West only to get picked off by Mark Few and Gonzaga in the Second Round. Many had the Red Storm getting to the Final Four only to see them be life and death to beat No.15 Northern Arizona and never look comfortable against the Zags in a hostile environment. That was a long time ago.

It’s taken nine years for a once proud basketball school to get back into college’s elite. For Norm Roberts who all year, watched Steve Lavin get the most out of his 10 seniors, it has to be bittersweet. It took a while for the former UCLA coach to get it turned around. Following blowout losses to Louisville and Georgetown, it looked like their dream was done. But the Johnnies rose up to shock Duke before a packed house at Madison Square Garden, defeating the No.1 team in the country. That Jan.30 day was the one the most talented senior Dwight Hardy put the team on his back, scoring 26 in a 93-78 win.

From that point, St. John’s was a different team winning 10 of its last 13 for a 21-11 record, including an impressive 12-6 in the deepest conference. Hardy lit up those Huskies for a career high 33, including five triples in an 89-72 rout that was never a contest. They also got 20 and 11 from the tough kid from Pittsburgh, D.J. Kennedy. A four-year player who had a brilliant career as part of a special group who wanted to get it turned around.

As we know, the versatile Kennedy who can get into the lane, distribute and rebound with the best of them, suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the first half of a close quarterfinal loss to Syracuse. Here’s a kid who sacrificed offense for the good of the team under Lavin, becoming a better player. In the beginning, I wondered why some of his games were so low. When you don’t have the benefit of TV due to scheduling, it’s hard to judge. But when they were finally into their tough part against the Big East, I began to understand why. Kennedy was always a very athletic player who could get to the free throw line and be counted on but he also could step out and hit from downtown. He played stellar D and was usually around the rock.

For DJ, it will be tough to watch the rest of thise senior-laden bunch go to another tough environment and take on the Zags in Denver. But his attitude has been tremendous, never questioning why him. Instead, he will be there on the bench next to his teammates, urging them on. An extra voice to inspire roommate Sean Evans, who’s been the best story of this turnaround, going from barely playing to a main part under Lavin. Not bad for a kid who walked on and stuck for all four years. Against the Orange, there was Evans going among the trees for a double/double (11 Pts, 12 Rebs) in a competitive loss to a team that previously embarrassed them.

Hardy got his points (22) and key cogs Justin Brownlee and Paris Horne both stepped up in Kennedy’s absence with the kind of performances Lavin will need if his team wants to stay in past tonight. Gonzaga has a size edge. So, they’ll also need Evans and Justin Burrell to battle for every rebound and loose ball. The real key as super sub Malik Boothe out of Christ The King put it will be staying aggressive. This team has gotten here by pushing the pace, wearing out opponents. They’ll look to press the Zags and attack the basket. Malik Stith will see some increased minutes without Kennedy. Lavin still has plenty of options tonight.

They’ve been a team all year. This isn’t about avenging some loss a different bunch had wearing their fancy jerseys. This is about continuing the transformation into being relevant again. These are still underdogs. Especially minus DJ. It’s a pick ‘em game in a hostile environment. Tonight, we find out if St. John’s is ready for primetime.

Do It For DJ!

Red Storm Bow Out To Orangemen In New York Battle At MSG

Posted on March 15, 2011 by JoeMcDonald

St. John’s March Madness betting odds shouldn’t be affect too badly with their loss in the Big East quarterfinals to Syracuse, and they’ll definitely be back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. But still, after a number of big wins at Madison Square Garden, the magic finally ran out on Thursday against another team from New York.

The Red Storm were outscored 47-36 in the second half of a 79-73 loss against Syracuse, and their lack of an inside presence was exposed when Syracuse freshman Fab Melo, who has been awful after high expectations coming into the season, scored 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting. Dwight Hardy had 22 points, while Justin Brownlee added 15 points, seven boards and four assists, but that duo combined for 10 of the team’s 19 turnovers. They also struggled from the perimeter against the Syracuse zone, going 4-of-14 from the three-point line, and they were 15-of-24 from the free-throw line.

St. John’s is still comfortably in the NCAA Tournament, and they’re being looked at as a No.6 seed, but that could drop one spot. However, the selection committee will likely take into account that they lost to a very good Syracuse team, and there really was no homecourt advantage as the Orangemen are also from New York, and the advantage was a big reason in wins over teams like Pittsburgh and Duke this season. But the loss to Syracuse did highlight some problems for the Red Storm, and that is their lack of size. If the Red Storm run into a team with a great post player, they’re going to be in trouble. St John’s can also struggle with three-point shooting, and the Syracuse zone proved that if you can turn the Red Storm into a long-range team, they can be beat.

We Are St. John’s

Posted on March 9, 2011 by Derek Felix

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a St. John’s basketball fan. Raised by my Dad- a fellow alum, I was spoiled during the 80′s when St. John’s boasted one of the best programs in all of college hoops. I can still recite the names of Mullin, Berry, Jackson, Glass and Wennington. All part of our last Final Four before John Thompson and Patrick Ewing ruined it.

Who knew I’d end up like many Knick fans, rooting for Ewing to bring the franchise back to the promised land while Chris Mullin starred for Golden State on the opposite end of the country. Crazy how things turn out. And when Mark Jackson was reunited with Ewing, I was in paradise. Alley oops tossed by my favorite college point guard to the former enemy at Madison Square Garden, making for insane posters on many kids walls.

Yeah. Growing up in the Big Apple was great. Especially because of my upbringing. I played basketball at the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island and wanted to be just like the guys I cheered for on TV. Even better, me and Dad went to Alumni Hall for some games. Memories I’ll cherish forever. There are some things you never forget. Those were as The Boss called them, Glory Days.

It amazes me now when I reflect back on how special Mullin was, or how high Walter Berry could fly. Or how steady Willie Glass was from the perimeter. How tough Bill Wennington is. A player who got the most of his ability, turning in a solid NBA career while winning championships with Michael Jordan and the Bulls. I guess in a twisted sense, Wennington got the last laugh on Ewing.

There were others during that fun Era where anything felt possible. Matt Brust. Shelton Jones. Ron Rowan. Malik Sealy. Robert Werdann. Greg “Boo” Harvey. Chucky Sproling. David Cain. Lamont Middleton. There are too many more to list during the days of The Sweater, Lou Carnesecca. The fun loving coach who made you smile and laugh just by his mannerisms. He still hasn’t lost that sixth sense yet, rooting on the first 20-win team in over a decade under Steve Lavin.

No matter what happens from this point out, the run these 10 seniors have been on since turning around their season in a stunning upset of Duke will never be forgotten. For years, we’ve waited for this kind of gritty roster who won you over with their heart and fire on both ends. Who knew Dwight Hardy would emerge into a Big East Player Of The Year candidate after blowout losses to Louisville and Georgetown? At that point, they looked done.

But Lavin kept them together. As it turned out, there was a little Louie Magic left with our Red Storm finally rising. I’ll never get used to that name. To me, they’ll always be the St. John’s Redmen. So, as leading scorer Hardy, D.J. Kennedy, Justin Brownlee, n Paris Horne, Justin Burrell, Sean Evans and emotional leader Malik Boothe take the floor for their Big East quarterfinal with Rutgers right now, let’s savor how special this group have been. Coming together at the right time to make their first Big Dance since Omar Cook played.

A run that saw our school beat some of the league best in potential No.1 seed Pitt, Uconn, Cincinnati, fading Villanova,to get to 20 wins while finishing fifth (12-6) in the toughest conference in the land, should always be remembered. Never take for granted what these young men have accomplished. Becoming a T-E-A-M. The opposite of what’s taking place in South Beach. In order to have success, that’s how it’s gotta be. A good line from The Fray’s “Over My Head (In A Cable Car).”

The chant will be “Let’s Go Johnnies” against dangerous Jonathan Mitchell and the Scarlet Knights from Piscataway with a semifinal berth against Syracuse on the line. It won’t come easy. Just ask ‘Nova after blowing a 16-point halftime lead and falling on a last second shot to South Florida- further endangering their NCAA hopes? Anything can happen in these tournaments.

It’s true St. John’s has owned MSG with a 7-1 record. The only loss a blowout at the hands of the Orange before they became a team. You know they want another shot at them. Never look ahead. But only at what’s in front of you. That will be Lavin’s theme all day.

One which they must keep when their name finally gets called on Selection Sunday. Something that’s felt like forever will finally end with more excitement and anticipation than there’s been in quite some time. No matter what, savor it.

WE ARE ST. JOHN’S!!!!!

Douglas inspires

Posted on March 3, 2011 by Derek Felix

The Knicks needed someone to step up in Chauncey Billups’ place last night. The answer turned out to be Toney Douglas, who inspired the orange and blue to an easy 107-88 home win over the uninspired Hornets.

Douglas, who now backs up Billups was told by Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony to be more assertive. The second-year guard out of Florida State had taken a step back since the trade, trying to fit in. That’s not what Mike D’Antoni wants from the valuable sixth man who’s instant offense off the bench. Cast into a starting role with Billups sidelined with a bruised hip, the ’09 first round pick exploded for 24 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting, leading a balanced attack to its third win in five during the New Era.

“He’s deferring his game to the big three and you could see him and he’s not being Toney Douglas,” D’Antoni stated. “And Toney Douglas comes with a lot of good stuff, comes with some playmaking deficiencies, but that’s him. He has to accept that, try to get better at it, but he can’t all of a sudden become a setup kind of guy and not get into his game.”

Douglas started off by taking the rock strong to the hole for nifty finishes. He also dialed up from long distance, draining a pair of three’s for 10 first quarter points. It was part of a big night that saw him tie with Stoudemire with 24 while ‘Melo notched 22. Even better, Douglas also distributed the ball, pacing the Knicks with five dishes in a well balanced attack that saw all five starters register at least four dimes. The Knicks as a team had 28 assists to the Hornets’ 19. A nice ratio.

Rookie Landry Fields also hit double digits with 10, including a trey while picking up three rebounds and four assists. D’Antoni reinserted Ronny Turiaf into the starting lineup, allowing Shawne Williams to come off the bench where he’s more comfortable. Not surprisingly, the revelation had 16 including four triples in 27-plus minutes.

In his first game back in the Big Apple, Jared Jeffries didn’t score but did his job by pulling down six boards, including four on the offensive glass in 24 minutes. Precisely the reason the Knicks brought the gritty power forward back. He didn’t get much time in Houston. Now, the former Indiana standout gets a new lease on life with a coach he’s familiar with. It should be a great fit, that will benefit the team who needs more length and strength.

For the Hornets who’ve been an enigma this season, it’s hard to describe why they weren’t ready to go. Chris Paul isn’t happy and obviously wants to move to Broadway to team with buddies ‘Melo and Amar’e. But that’s still at least a year and a half away unless he forces a trade. CP3 is as gifted a point guard in the game but hasn’t been the same since an injury that sidelined him much of last season.

Given how well Billups is working with ‘Melo and Stoudemire, perhaps the Knicks should just stay put. Of course, Billups is older. So, there will be change in the future. But let’s enjoy Mr. Big Shot while we have him. As clutch a performer as the game has. Money.

Lack of bench hurts

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Derek Felix

Last night, the Knicks lost to the Magic 116-110 in Orlando. It wasn’t too startling that the new look orange and blue couldn’t follow up their big win over the Heat with another against Dwight Howard and the Magic.

Not surprisingly, D-Howard had his way inside finishing with 30 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks. The big man has been hot lately. So, he did what was expected against our smaller lineup minus a legit big. Maybe if they get Marc Gasol in the offseason, that changes. But don’t look now as the Grizzlies off a big win over the Spurs are in the playoffs if it ended today. Not that anyone should expect him to re-up there. Do the Knicks have enough space for Pau’s younger, underrated brother? That remains to be seen.

The Knicks led much of the way last night, even taking an 11-point lead to the locker room courtest of a tweet from Patrick McEnroe. It’s always refereshing when a famous person responds back. Cool stuff from one of tennis’ best analysts.

Unfortunately, the Knicks couldn’t hold off the Magic who got a huge second half from Jameer Nelson with the former Temple standout exploding for 23 points after halftime. He only had three prior. I’ve always maintained that Nelson is the guy you have to contain. Howard will get his points. It’s just a matter of keeping his sidekicks in check. The Knicks held Jason Richardson to eight. No other Orlando starter hit double digits.

Easy win, right? Wrong. Orlando took full advantage of their bench, outscoring the Knicks 44-11 with J.J. Redick, Ryan Anderson and Quentin Richardson (seriously) combining for 38 of the 44. Even Chris Duhon gave Stan Van Gundy some important minutes, chipping in with a bucket and dropping five dimes.

There in lies the dilemma for the star-studded Knicks who now are basically three stars. In Game Four of the New Era, Chauncey Billups, Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony combined for 86 of the club’s 110. It’s great when your best players are your best. However, when you get little from almost everybody else sans other starters Landry Fields (6 and 11) and Shawne Williams (8 and 6), it’s usually not a winning formula.

By now, everyone knows the Knicks bench was seriously weakened when they made the ‘Melo trade. It’s up to Mike D’Antoni to find the right combos to alleviate pressure from his dynamic trio. Complicating matters, Billups, who’s been the best player since the trade, suffered a bruised hip courtesy of a Howard pick. The former Finals MVP won’t play tonight against another tough opponent in Chris Paul and the Hornets, who visit The Garden soon.

Here’s a chance to see what ‘Melo and Amar’e can do minus the new floor general. It probably means an expanded role for long distance shooter Toney Douglas. Look for vet backup Anthony Carter to get back in D’Antoni’s rotation. Does he start over Douglas? Bill Walker has also been providing a boost off the bench. He’ll need to continue that trend tonight.

It should be noted that the Knicks already beat the Hornets at New Orleans last December 100-92 behind 34 and 10 boards from Stoudemire- extending their dominance over Paul and Co. to five straight. That was a different team though with complements Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, plus Ray Felton, who have combined to make Denver 3-1 since moving off Broadway.

This will be a true test to see where the Knicks are. Especially minus Billups’ leadership. He’s largely responsible for their two wins. Now, there’s a void not only in the middle but at the one. Can they overcome that? The bench just might have to take on a larger role.

The Duke of Flatbush

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Derek Felix

It’s been a couple of days since Duke Snider passed away of natural causes at the age of 84. The former Brooklyn/LA Dodger played in baseball’s Golden Era when New York was King of America’s past time.

Imagine having three New York baseball teams who were always playing in World Series during the late 40′s and 50′s. Not only did the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants turn the town upside down but combined to win 10 world championships, including eight straight from 1949-56. Spanning 1947-57 before the Dodgers left for Hollywood with the Giants right behind, our three baseball franchises combined for 17 World Series appearances, nine championships and seven Subway Series when it wasn’t a pipe dream.

A big reason for New York’s dominance was our three Golden Age center fielders. Or as referred to in Terry Cashman’s ode to the Boys Of Summer Talkin’ Baseball, “Willie, Mickey and the Duke.” Of course, he was referring to Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider. A Hall Of Fame trio who owned the spotlight patrolling baseball’s sexiest position.

Growing up as a kid, I heard stories from Dad about New York Giant games he attended at the Polo Grounds along with Yankee games at the original Stadium before all the renovations, etc. It’s still hard to believe that it doesn’t exist anymore. That aside, every time we drive through the Bronx, he always notes where the Polo Grounds once stood. Heck. We’ve been on the street where the apartment buildings are with one image left from a special time.

I often wonder what it must’ve been like growing up with three teams to choose from. Whether it was the Bronx Bombers or the Giants or Brooklyn’s best and Ebbets Field, it sounds like a baseball haven. If I could have a time machine, I’d definitely experience that Golden Era when Mays, Mantle and Snider were treating New Yorkers to an extraordinary brand of baseball.

As has been told by Ralph Branca, the infamous Brooklyn Dodger who gave up Bobby Thomson’s dramatic pennant clinching home run in ’51, the Giants stole signs that year and to this day, he still believes our own Staten Island Scot knew what was coming. Regardless, it’ll always be one of those signature moments that make baseball such a great game. If you’re on the Giants’ side, prior to that fateful ninth, your team had scored one run in 17 innings at home. If you’re a Dodger fan, you believe Thomson knew. One of those classic sportsbar debates.

If only that kind of passion still existed. Not the same recycled crap we get these days on WFAN or ESPN Radio. They just don’t make ‘em like Willie, Mickey and The Duke. Of course, Snider always was behind both Mays and Mantle, who fans still argue over who was better. I’m a Yankee fan and while The Mick was New York, I’ve always been on the Say Hey Kid’s side. There in lies the problem as the other Cooperstown center fielder never gets his due despite a brilliant career.

Perhaps it’s like Branca told Steve Somers yesterday in an interview that he always was behind Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese. A great double play combo with Robinson symbolic for breaking the barrier as the first Negro to play in the majors. Every year, baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson Day commemorating April 15, 1947 when No.42 debuted in Dodger blue. The biggest had to be 1997 with it the 50-Year Anniversary. I remember Topps having a special Jackie Robinson series as part of their baseball set. I still own a few of the cool cards at home.

It’s like taking a trip down memory lane. And we don’t mean NAS. So, how does The Duke of Flatbush stack up? Here are the highlights:

DUKE SNIDER (The Silver Fox)

-Signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943

-Debuted on April 17, 1947

-Elected Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1980

-Spent 16 seasons with BK/LA Dodgers totaling 389 home runs, 1,271 RBI’s while batting .300 with 1,995 hits, 1,199 runs, 99 stolen bases plus 343 doubles and 82 triples

-Finished second for NL MVP in ’55 hitting .309 with 42 homers and a career best 136 RBI’s, which led the majors along with his 126 runs

-Awarded ML Player of the Year (1955)

-Hit .320 with 4 HR and 7 RBI’s in finally beating the Yankees for the ’55 World Series

-Eight-time All-Star (’50-56, ’63)

-Finished in the top 4 for MVP three times (’53-55)

-Played 18 seasons including one with the Mets in ’63 and his final year with the rival Giants (’64)

-40-or-more HR five consecutive years (’53-57)

-6 seasons 100+ RBI (’50-51, ’53-56)

-most hits one season, 199 (’50, ’54)

-most runs one season, 132 (’53)

-Career Totals: .295 BA, 407 HR, 1,333 RBI, 2,116 H, 1,259 R, 99 SB, 971 BB, 1,237 SO, .380 OBP, .540 SLG, .919 OPS

-Postseason: 6 WS (won in ’55/’59) .286-11-26

Hitting Back :: A New York Sports Blog

Hitting Back is something I came up with a while back. It's a way to give my take on what's happening in the sports world. Not limited to just that, I also love chiming in on hot music videos as well as other rock news. This gives me a platform to express myself. Hit back at me anytime!

Monthly Archives: March 2011