11032016 sports by tribune242

SPORTS SECTION E

CUBS WIN WORLD SERIES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016

Minister launches National Sports Heritage Month By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net EACH fall, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture honours the country’s top sporting icons of the past and present during National Sports Heritage Month. This year the celebrations have been expanded to the entire month of November. The traditional schedule will feature a stacked calendar of events, highlighted by the induction of 18 new members to the National Sports Hall of Fame. The new class will bring the total number of athletes and contributors in the hall to 149. The group will be officially inducted during a ceremony hosted at Government House on November 11.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson announces the launch of National Sports Heritage Month.

The inductees include Della Wood-Thomas, Hattie Moxey, Candace DeGregory-Culmer, Sister Annie Thompson OSB OBE, Vickey Knowles Andrews, Evander Freeman Barr, Burket Dorsett, Carlton Harris, Anthony “Poker” Huyler, Ivan Johnson, Nathaniel Knowles, Edmondo Moxey, Jayson “Peggs” Moxey, Frank Rutherford MBE and an additional four posthumous honours, including Eucal Hugh Bullard, Bertram Perigord,Roosevelt “Dog” Turner, and James “Jim” Wood. Prior to the induction, the group is scheduled to worship during a church service at Our Lady’s on November 6, followed by a trio of school visits on November 8 (CH Reeves), Doris Johnson (November 9) and another to be announced (November 15).

The inductees will also make a courtesy call on the House of Assembly on November 16. Sports Heritage Week originally began in 1989 with the introduction of five of our national heroes - the late great Thomas A Robinson, Sir Durward Knowles, Cecil Cooke, Andre Rodgers and Everette “Elisha Obed” Ferguson. The Class of 2015 included 15 members, 2014 included 16 inductees, following the record number 21 inducted in 2013. The National Hall of Fame was established as a means to show the country’s appreciation to those contributors to sports whose exploits may have gone unnoticed in the past and, at the same time, deliver recognition to those who continue to shine for the Bahamas.

“This formal recognition of elite Bahamian Sports Heroes is intended to accomplish the following: preserve for historical purposes the memories and monumental achievements of outstanding Bahamians in all sports; seek to inspire a quest for excellence among the young men and women of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas such that they themselves would seek to qualify for admittance and selection to the National Sports Hall of Fame; and to reward outstanding athletic accomplishments by Bahamian athletes at the conclusion of their active careers as participants,” said Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson. “Their induction into this institution symbolises the highest hon-

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Buddy Hield scores 18 in 89-83 loss to Grizzlies

GRIZZLIES guard Mike Conley (11) drives against New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) last night. (AP) MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — JaMychal Green scored 21 points, Mike Conley added 20 and the Grizzlies beat the still-winless Pelicans. James Ennis had 16 points and 10

rebounds for Memphis, while Zach Randolph finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, part of the Grizzlies outrebounding the Pelicans 52-43.

Lance Stephenson led New Orleans with 21 points and six assists, while Langston Galloway and rookie Buddy Hield had 18 points each.

Anthony Davis, the league’s second-leading scorer, was limited to 10 points, connecting on only 3 of 13 shots as New Orleans lost its fifth straight.

JOHNSON SAYS SPORTS TOURISM EVENTS ON SCHEDULE By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson said yesterday that preparation for several marquee sports tourism events remain on schedule despite the recovery efforts from Hurricane Matthew. The 2017 schedule of high profile events will be highlighted by the IAAF World Relays, Commonwealth Youth Games and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. The Beach Soccer World Cup necessitates the construction of a new stadium and a facelift to the harbour’s foreshore around Potter’s Cay Dock and the original Paradise Island Bridge. “Construction has already begun in the preliminary stages with the foundation work which has to be done in those areas,” Dr Johnson said. “They are in the ground now just we are with the baseball stadium, we are in the ground. “Sometimes that is some of the toughest work and that has already begun. Both arenas are prefab steel and so the steel is already fabricated, it is waiting to be shipped and at the appropriate time the general contractor will say ship. “When that happens you will see the cranes in place and things will begin moving rather quickly. Once that infrastructure is in it goes up very fast, in about six weeks. “In the past we have built things for a variety of events and then we take it down. This is not a one-off event, this is a legacy issue so it’s going to stay and be an amphitheatre on the water, which is something we have never had.” Prior to the World Cup -

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PAGE 2, Thursday, November 3, 2016

THE EXPERTS’ VIEW - HOW THEY ARE FARING

WEEK 8

SEASON

Naughty 8-4-1 68-47-2 AP 9-3-1 67-48-2 *Sancheska 3-9-1 65-50-2 Ricardo 5-7-1 65-50-2 **Leo B 7-5-1 63-52-2 *Renaldo 3-9-1 61-54-2 *includes two-game penalty for non-published picks **includes four-game penalty for non-published picks

.591 .582 .565 .565 .547 .530

THE TRIBUNE

WEEK 8 AWARDS The “Bulldozer” Award presented by an actual bulldozer - Tyron Smith. I’ve never been so excited to watch a lineman play. I think he ate a guy last week. He completely consumed a linebacker on the way to Zeke Elliott breaking a big run. That guy’s dead now. The “I guess I got my swagger back” Award presented by every older brother who lives vicariously through his younger brother - David Carr. His career flamed out but Derek has become the best young quarterback in the league. David still gets to go to the same parties without all the working out. The “Rush Week” Award presented by Delta Tau Chi from Animal House - The Entire Pats/Bills Game. Gronk scored his 69th. A Bills fan threw a sex toy on the field. This game was everything the common frat bro could ask for.

WEEK 9 Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers SANNIE: Are you guys as excited for the season premiere of Real Housewives of Altanta like I am? No? Well you should be, this season is going to be fire. FALCONS over Bucs RENALDO: The fact that Sannie would reference THAT show as the flagship entertainment vehicle of the city over Donald Glover’s Atlanta leads me to call this entire relationship into question. What else don’t we have in common? What have we been doing all this time? Who is she? As for the Falcons, we’ll never have a firm handle on this team until they hoist the Lombardi Trophy at Loretta Butler Turner’s Super Bowl (the LI edition). Until then we’re on this roller coaster of emotions with a team that will lose at home to the Bucs, but beat Aaron Rodgers at his best. FALCONS over Bucs Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings SANNIE: Sigh…work is really getting in the way of me finishing Vikings. I am trying to catch up but I have to adult instead. I think I am still stuck on season two. VIKINGS over Lions RENALDO: Spoiler alert - In season two, it all goes down hill for Rollo, just like it’s going downhill for Sam Bradford in the second quarter of the season. Also from that season, Ragnar appears to be much better off without King Horik, surprisingly like Matt Stafford has been better without King Megatron. VIKINGS over Lions New York Jets at Miami Dolphins SANNIE: I am going to be a good wife and apparently the Dolphins are on some kind of winning streak. So I’m going to stick with them. DOLPHINS over Jets RENALDO: Totally on

to her. She’s not being a good wife. With this is a standard reverse jinx trolling hybrid all masterfully crafted in an effort to see the Dolphins streak come to an end. It’s a good thing I have Jay Ajayi and this won’t work. Also, in retaliation to this antiDolphin rhetoric…Beyonce is over rated. DOLPHINS over Jets

efficient NFL coach. SAINTS over Niners

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs SANNIE: The Jags seem to suck, which isn’t a surprise because Jacksonville is sooooooooo dull and boring. CHIEFS over Jags

RENALDO: He’s been doing worse dressing off the field than he has been on it. Cam Newton told the media he doesn’t feel safe because of the constant hits that the refs allow. Someone had to tell Cam that he decided to play football...none of it is safe. PANTHERS over Rams

RENALDO: Jacksonville really is that dull and it deserved all of those Os. Lil Duval is dope though, so the city has one redeeming quality. Blake Bortles and the Jags have been a huge disappointment all year… but they’re playing Nick Foles. JAGS over Chiefs Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens SANNIE: hmmmmmmm, this one is kind of hard because I have nothing invested in either team or city, sooooo, ummm let’s go with the Ravens. I like purple. RAVENS over Steelers RENALDO: I’m so mad that’s going to work. She literally typed thinking sounds. That was the content…sounds of deep thought. Why do they keep letting us do this? Big Ben practiced this week, Mike Tomlin said he might play. Mike Tomlin is a Kappa, which means he’s an incredible decision maker by default. Big Ben plays. STEELERS over Ravens Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns SANNIE: I won’t call any names but a certain sports reporter, dressed up as a Cowboy for Halloween and was quite sexy. *cough * Renaldo * cough * COWBOYS over Browns

Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Rams SANNIE: My Cam has really been doing terrible and one day I am going to have to ask myself if loyalty is more important than winning. PANTHERS over Rams

Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers SANNIE: The Colts also seem to be sucking. I may not be good at football but I know a bad team when I see it. PACKERS over Colts RENALDO: The Packers are apparently not good at football either. But not as bad as Andrew Luck is at grooming or the Colts are at defence. PACKERS over Colts Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers SANNIE: Gee, two bad teams. Um, let’s go with Chargers because I like the car. Random, I know. CHARGERS over Titans RENALDO: She drops this Chargers reference every week and every week I’ll reiterate that I’m not buying that car. The Titans are the highest ranked teams on both sides of the ball that nobody cares about. They do get to hear inspirational speeches from Andre Johnson all year...so there’s that. TITANS over Chargers

RENALDO: I’m keeping the cowboy hat… COWBOYS over Browns

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders SANNIE: Okay, it’s time to stop this Raiders winning thing. Eddie is starting to believe this team is actually good. BRONCOS over Raiders

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants SANNIE: I used to like Odell Beckham Jr but now that I follow him on social media, not so much anymore. EAGLES over Giants

RENALDO: It’s because they are actually good. When you win a game after giving up 23 penalties you’re approaching team of destiny territory. The Vegas Raiders are going to be incredible. BRONCOS over Raiders

RENALDO: I’ve been hearing lots of girls say that recently. Maybe it’s because OBJ is in a committed relationship with the kicking net, maybe it’s because... well just watch some of the videos on YouTube, you’d get the point. GIANTS over Eagles

Buffalo Bills at Seattle Seahawks SANNIE: My Russell and Cici are having a BABY! Baby Wilson on the way! SEAHAWKS over Bills

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers SANNIE: I was supposed to go New Orleans and didn’t go. I may still be a tad bit bitter. So I am having a hate hate relationship right now with them. 49ers over Saints RENALDO: Most white people still have a hate hate relationship with Colin Kaepernick. Not as much as Chip Kelly hates being an

RENALDO: These people are not in our family. This obsession is getting weird. What looked like another non-intriguing Monday night matchup has a WWE injection of entertainment with the Bills bringing Percy Harvin out of retirement. Harvin left the Seahawks (just like every other stop in his career) on bad terms because he fought…everyone. I just need him to bring a steel chair to the game, don’t bother with the pads or a helmet. SEAHAWKS over Bills

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 3, 2016, PAGE 3

‘The view is great from’ atop the NFL standings I WENT 8-4-1 last week and I will take it, considering what a topsy turvy week it was in the NFL last week. I’m all alone in first place for the first time since joining the Tribune. The view is great from up here, I think I will stick around for a while. The JBLN preseason is right around the corner, and it appears to be a hot season ahead in the Minors Division with six solid teams in contention for the championship. To this end the practice schedule has me extra busy,

and beat. So rapid fire this week, and honestly it’s the ‘mojo’ that’s been keeping me in first place. So just like Jerry Jones in Dallas, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!! • Here’s who I like this week: Thursday FALCONS Sunday STEELERS COWBOYS

LEO B’S PICKS LEO B’S PICKS

WEEK 9

NFL PICKS

SUNDAY GIANTS DOLPHINS CHIEFS COWBOYS STEELERS

ZENICAZELAYA BY INIGO ‘NAUGHT Y’

CHIEFS

GIANTS

DOLPHINS

PANTHERS

VIKINGS

SAINTS

Landry says he’ll change the way he targets blocks By STEVEN WINE AP Sports Writer DAVIE, Florida (AP) — Jarvis Landry says he’ll change the way he targets his blocks in the wake of his illegal hit that briefly hospitalised Buffalo Bills safety Aaron Williams. But while the Miami Dolphins receiver acknowledged that Williams’ injury personally affected him, he said he’ll appeal his $24,309 fine from the NFL for the illegal crackback block. Bills coach Rex Ryan called Landry’s block dirty and deliberate. Williams is out indefinitely with head and neck injuries, and he plans to wait until the offseason to decide whether to play again, his father said. Landry, who takes pride in his

DOLPHINS wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) warms up before a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons in August. (AP) blocking, was asked yesterday if the episode will change the way he plays. “My physicality, no,” he said. “My

SAINTS RAMS PACKERS CHARGERS BRONCOS VIKINGS

THURSDAY FALCONS

target area, yes.” Landry said he apologised to Williams immediately after the play and before the Bills safety was helped off the field. Landry said he hasn’t tried to reach out to Williams since but may do so. “Obviously in this game there are risks,” Landry said. “It comes with injuries. You never play the game to deliberately hurt somebody, but inside the game sometimes things happen.” Landry was penalised for unnecessary roughness on October 23 after he launched himself and caught Williams in the head while blocking on a running play. Dolphins coaches said Landry needs to improve his technique.

MONDAY NIGHT SEAHAWKS

PACKERS

BRONCOS

CHARGERS

SEAHAWKS

WEEK 9

NFL PICKS

BY RICARDO WELLS rwells@tribunemedia.net

TONIGHT

San Diego Chargers Green Bay Packers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sunday Night Game Oakland Raiders

Sunday Games 1pm Baltimore Ravens Dallas Cowboys Kansas City Chiefs New York Jets Philadelphia Eagles Minnesota Vikings

Monday Night Game Seattle Seahawks Teams on Bye Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals New England Patriots Arizona Cardinals Washington Redskins Houston Texans

Sunday Games 4pm Carolina Panthers New Orleans Saints

BUCCANEERS HAVEN’T WON AT HOME, HOST THE FALCONS IN PRIME TIME By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer THE NFC is so wide open that a Thursday night meeting between Atlanta and Tampa Bay could wind up having some significance when the playoff races conclude. Neither team has been particularly consistent. Had the Falcons not held off Green Bay on Sunday, they would have been in a freefall similar to last season, when they went from 6-1 to 8-8. “When you come through in those, for sure it gives you something,” coach Dan Quinn says. “To get the job done (Sunday) was significant.” The Buccaneers, meanwhile, can’t win at home, dropping all three matchups. One of their three wins came in Atlanta to open the

schedule. Tampa would be most tempted to throw on offence because Atlanta is ranked only 27th against the pass. Now that their top three running backs — Doug Martin, Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers — are hobbled, the Bucs might not have a choice. The challenge isn’t just physical, either. “It’s very difficult physically and it’s very difficult mentally, too, because they didn’t get a chance to process the last game,” says Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith, the Falcons’ former coach. “We haven’t even talked to them about the last game, haven’t talked one word about the last ballgame. We’ve moved on to the next one because that’s the challenge that we have.”

SHOWN (l-r) are Bruno Styles, Manager Fonda Estevez, Manager Service and Support, and Davonia Archer, Personal Banking Manager, Scotiabank, Freeport makes a presentation to Christopher Baker, chairman of the Conchman Triathlon Committee (centre).

SCOTIABANK SPONSORS 30TH ANNUAL CONCHMAN TRIATHLON AT TAINO BEACH SCOTIABANK is proud to support the 30th Annual Conchman Triathlon set for this Saturday at Taino Beach. “Scotiabank is celebrating its Diamond anniversary – 60 years operating in The Bahamas. Community is at the heart of all we do and we remain committed to being a good corporate citizen

for years to come,” said Bruno Styles, manager of Scotiabank Freeport. “We are proud to sponsor the Conchman Triathlon and wish the athletes the best of luck,” Styles said. For the first time in its 30year history, Grand Bahama’s internationally-famed Conchman

Triathlon will have a category to identify the top schools in the event and boost student participation in keeping with Scotiabank’s philanthropic focus of helping young persons become better off. The competition comprises three sprint distance events - a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre (km) bike ride and a 5km run.

Each student will be asked to complete just one discipline. “With this format, participating schools will be able to use their best track athletes and competitive swimmers on the same teams,” said Christopher Baker, Conchman chairman. “As a result, we are expecting some really impressive times

to be set. We want to show what these youngsters can do athletically while giving them a chance to compete, have fun, and possibly gain some funding for their schools.” Conchman will benefit the local YMCA which offers sport facilities to the Grand Bahama community.

PAGE 4, Thursday, November 3, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Real Madrid humbled by 3-3 draw at Legia after leading 2-0 WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Real Madrid needed a late goal to salvage a humbling 3-3 draw at struggling Legia Warsaw in the Champions League yesterday. Madrid looked set to romp to another big win after Gareth Bale netted an amazing opener from distance in the first minute before then setting up Karim Benzema to make it 2-0. But Madrid’s slack defence — and over-confidence — let Legia rally back in stunning fashion to take the lead. Vadis Odjidja and Miroslav Radovic struck from long range before Thibault Moulin also scored from outside the area in the 83rd. Madrid was facing a humiliating defeat until midfielder Mateo Kovacic fired in from near the edge of the box in the 85th to at least rescue a point. Madrid substitute Lucas Vazquez almost turned the result back around when he sent a shot off the crossbar right before the final whistle. Though it was a memorable match for Legia’s players, the home fans missed it completely. The game was played at a near-empty Wojska Pol-

skiego Stadium as the club had been banned from selling tickets by UEFA following racist behaviour and the throwing of fireworks by supporters during a previous loss to Borussia Dortmund. Madrid would have advanced to the round of 16 with a win as Dortmund beat Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in the other Group F match. The defending European champions have eight points, two points behind Dortmund and five ahead of third-place Sporting. Legia earned its first point after losing its first three matches, including a 5-1 loss at Madrid. Sevilla crushes 10-man Dinamo 4-0 SEVILLE, Spain (AP) — Sevilla moved closer to the knockout stages of the Champions League after easing to a 4-0 win over a Dinamo Zagreb side that played the entire second half with 10 men on Wednesday. Sevilla dominated throughout the match at its Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, with goals from Luciano Vietto, Sergio Escudero, Steven N’Zonzi and Wissam Ben Yedder.

Adrian Ramos, score the only goal in the 12th minute of the Group F match.

REAL Madrid’s Gareth Bale celebrates scoring the opening goal during a Champions League, Group F soccer match against Legia Warsaw at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. (AP) Victory for the Group H leaders was helped by a red card for Dinamo defender Petar Stojanovic just before the break with the score at 1-0. Dortmund beats Sporting 1-0 to advance DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Borussia Dort-

mund beat Sporting 1-0 on Wednesday to advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League despite leaving top striker PierreEmerick Aubameyang out of the team. Wearing a stylish coat and a fedora hat, Aubameyang watched from the stands and saw his backup,

Higuain scores, misses easy chance as Juventus held 1-1 by Lyon TURIN, Italy (AP) — Gonzalo Higuain showed his best and worst sides as Juventus was held to a 1-1 draw against Lyon yesterday, with the Italian hosts missing the chance to ensure qualification for the Champions League knockout stage with two matches to spare. Higuain netted a penalty in the 13th minute but missed an open goal shortly before halftime. Juventus looked on course for the win but Corentin Tolisso leveled six minutes from time. It was the first goal Juventus has conceded in this season’s competition. Porto edges Club Brugge 1-0 to end winless run at home PORTO, Portugal (AP) — FC Porto needed another decisive performance by Andre Silva to end a winless drought at home in Europe with a 1-0 victory over Club Brugge in the Champions League yesterday.

The Portugal forward scored his 11th goal in his last nine appearances between club and country, helping Porto to snap a four-game winless run at home in European competition. Porto is in second place with seven points in Group G, three points behind leader Leicester, which was held to a scoreless draw at thirdplace FC Copenhagen. Leicester misses chance to advance early COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Leicester missed its chance to secure an early place in the last 16 of the Champions League after being held to a 0-0 draw by FC Copenhagen yesterday. While a win would have put the Premier League champions and Group G leaders through to the knockout stages, the next opportunity will come in its home game on November 22 against Brugge, which lost 1-0 to Porto. Leicester stayed top of the group with 10 points, followed by Porto with seven, Copenhagen on five and Brugge with zero after four straight defeats.

England, Scotland to defy FIFA over poppies, face sanctions By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer LONDON (AP) — England and Scotland will face FIFA sanctions after insisting their players will wear black armbands with embroidered poppies to honour Britain’s war dead for

a match between the neighbours. England and Scotland will meet for a World Cup qualifier on November 11, Britain’s Remembrance Day, when British Commonwealth forces who have died on duty since World War I are honoured. Both

associations asked FIFA to let their players wear the commemorative poppies somewhere on their jerseys, but that would breach rules banning political, religious, personal or commercial messages on official uniforms and equipment. Granting an exemption

for England and Scotland would create a political minefield, according to soccer’s governing body. FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said Wednesday that she had already been approached by other member associations asking for “similar exceptions” and the “response has been the same: We have to apply uniformly and across the 211 member associations the laws of the game.” “You could make many exceptions,” Samoura, a Senegalese, added on the BBC. “Britain is not the only country that has been suffering from the result of war. Syria is an example. My own continent has been torn by war for years. And the only question is why are we doing exceptions for just one country and not the rest of the world?” In separate statements,

the English and Scottish Football Associations both insisted that the “poppy is an important symbol of remembrance and we do not believe it represents a political, religious or commercial message, nor does it relate to any one historical event.” The associations added that they intend to “pay appropriate tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by having the ... team wear black armbands bearing poppies” in the fixture. A FIFA compromise in 2011 allowed England players to wear the poppy on black armbands for a friendly game against Spain. Since then, the FIFA leadership has completely changed. England and Scotland are unlikely to face a points deduction in their World Cup qualifying group, with a fine more probable.

“It is not really my ambition to punish anybody,” Samoura said at Wembley ahead of a meeting of the International Football Association Board, which features the English and Scottish FAs. “They just have to recognise themselves that they are part of the rules of the game and they should be ready to face any kind of sanctions or measures against. They know better than me because they made the law.” The dispute spread to the House of Commons on Wednesday with British Prime Minister Theresa May condemning FIFA’s ban as “utterly outrageous.” “Our football players want to recognise and respect those who have given their lives for our safety and security,” May said. “I think it is absolutely right that they should be able to do so.”

WEST INDIES HOPES REST WITH IMMOVABLE BRATHWAITE WEST Indies hopes of winning the third Test against Pakistan in Sharjah again rest with opener Kraigg Brathwaite as they chase 153 for victory today. After subsiding for 208 in their second innings, Pakistan took five wickets to leave the Test tantalisingly poised at stumps on day four. But, just 39 runs away from claiming their first win of the United Arab Emirates tour, West Indies hold the edge thanks to Brathwaite’s immovable presence at the crease. Brathwaite, who had carried his bat through the first innings for 142, was unbeaten on 44, remaining calm and assured after his side slipped to 67 for five. Shane Dowrich, who kept him company in an unbroken 47-run sixth-wicket stand that saw out the day, hit some telling boundaries towards the end of the day to tilt the balance back in West Indies’ favour. He was 36 not out as West Indies closed on 114 for five. Pakistan collapsed after lunch, losing five wickets for 33 runs, beginning in the seventh over after lunch, when legspinner Devendra Bishoo had Mohammad Nawaz caught at short leg. Mohammad Amir perished to a comical run-out as wickets tumbled rapidly - including that of opener

KRAIGG BRATHWAITE batted with calm assurance. Azhar Ali for 91 - and Jason Holder wrapped up the innings to finish with five for 30. It was Holder’s first five-wicket haul in Tests and put his team within sight of their first Test win under his captaincy. Having left the door wide open for West Indies, Pakistan snapped up five wickets for 38 in a post-tea period of play that brought them roaring back into contention and when Roston

Chase flicked Wahab Riaz to midwicket, West Indies were tottering. But West Indies’ recovery was engineered by the man who had hardly been off the field throughout the match. With Dowrich for company, and Holder and Bishoo still to come, Brathwaite can expect support as he attempts to steer his team to their first win in 14 Tests. Pakistan won the first two matches in the series.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 3, 2016, PAGE 5

Zane named to training roster for Stars in NBA D-League By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net AFTER spending his post collegiate career in various leagues, Zane Knowles will return to the US and enter the NBA pipeline. Knowles was recently named to the training camp roster for the Salt Lake Stars of the NBA Development League. The Stars are now an exclusive farm team of the Utah Jazz after the franchise which shifted from the Idaho Stampede, which was an affiliate of both the Jazz and the Trail Blazers. Knowles was one of 18 players named to the roster following the completion of last weekend’s D-League draft.

Other noteworthy players on the Stars roster are former Philadelphia 76ers centre Henry Sims, D-League veteran Jermaine Taylor and rookie point guard Marcus Paige. Knowles, the 6’10” 255pound forward, joins a list of other Bahamians to play in the D-League that includes Magnum Rolle, Bennet Davis and Mitch Johnson. Knowles participated in the Star’s Open Tryouts presented by University of Utah Health Care back in September at the Lifetime Activities Center-Bruin Arena on the Taylorsville campus of Salt Lake Community College. “I think our Open Tryouts were a big success, we had a great turnout,” said Stars General Manager Bart Sharp in a press re-

ZANE KNOWLES lease on the team’s website, “We had some good local talent show up that I’m sure is of interest to our coaching staff. We look forward to how it turns out.” Around 50 aspiring basketball players came to show off their skills to the Stars coaching staff. The players had varying levels of

experience, from amateur to collegiate to semi-professional, and came from both near and abroad. Stars Head Coach Dean Cooper was happy with the talent and the turnout. “I was really pleased,” said Cooper. “I think it really says a lot about the care factor of the Jazz organisation in general has with the people being here and wanting to be a part of it. I thought the players participated well, I thought the coaches did a good job, it was great.” Knowles began his collegiate career at Grambling and ultimately graduated from Texas A and M Corpus Christi where he spent two years in the programme. In his senior season with the Islanders, he averaged

6.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 59 per cent shooting from the field. He began his professional career with the Wakayama Trians of the National Basketball League in Japan. He got the opportunity following his performance at the Global Basketball Summer League in Las Vegas where he was selected to the All Big Man team and the All Tournament Team. The Salt Lake City Stars will play their home games at Salt Lake Community College, located less than 10 miles from downtown Salt Lake City. The 5,000-seat Lifetime Activities CenterBruin Arena on Redwood Road has been the previous site of the Rocky Mountain Revue NBA Summer League. “We are thrilled to bring

an NBA D-League team to Salt Lake City and in close proximity to the Utah Jazz,” said Steve Starks, president of Larry H Miller Sports & Entertainment. “The Salt Lake City Stars will provide further opportunities to promote the game of basketball, extend the reach of the Jazz and engage with our surrounding communities in new ways. Launched in 2001, the NBA D-League has expanded from an eight-team league to a record 22 teams for the 2016-17 season. All 19 teams for the 2015-16 season are singly affiliated with an NBA parent club, a first for the NBA D-League, and the three teams joining the NBA D-League for 2016-17 are owned by the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls.

MINISTER LAUNCHES NATIONAL SPORTS HERITAGE MONTH IN NOVEMBER FROM PAGE 1

A VIEW of the new surface of the infield at the TAR national stadium. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson said yesterday that the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium will be ready in time for a number of marquee sports tourism events, including the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, IAAF World Relays and Commonwealth Youth Games. Photos: Tim Clarke/The Tribune

JOHNSON SAYS SPORTS TOURISM EVENTS ARE ALL ON SCHEDULE FROM PAGE 1

which runs from April 27 to May 7 - The Bahamas is scheduled to host the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship, from February 20 to 26, in Nassau. The Bahamas last hosted the regional Beach Soccer Championships in 2013 where they finished sixth following a loss to Guatemala. “The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will feature countries from five continents in the Bahamas for almost three weeks practicing and competing,” Dr Johnson said. “It will be a fascinating event and it is one of the reasons we are improving the entire foreshore down by the Paradise Island and Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge, east and west, to service this area and that will be a permanent fixture.” The extensive list of international sporting events on the calendar next year for the Bahamas also includes the LPGA Pure Silk Bahamas Classic, the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships, the Battle 4 Atlantis, Popeyes Bahamas Bowl and many others. “We are in the recovery process yes, but we are making our plans as accordingly where we can,” Dr Johnson said. “To end this year we have the Battle 4 Atlantis at

the Atlantis Resort, we have the Junkanoo Jam which has been relocated to Bimini and is moving ahead. “We have the Hero World Challenge coming up in December and that is on schedule. The Popeyes Bahamas Bowl is on, the stadium will be ready. We go into the LPGA Tour on Ocean Club, there are events in Eleuthera, Exuma and Abaco with NCAA sports and professional golfers. “We continue with CARIFTA golf, swimming then we head into the most exciting series of international events ever held in this region. It will kick off with the IAAF World Relays on time, as scheduled. “We have the Commonwealth Youth Games - the largest sporting event in the region competing with nine different disciplines and they will be with us for the entire month of July,” he said. “We have accomplished what we have tried to do with year-round sports entertainment as a tourist destination with the best brands. “I think we have done that. What we will see is the value of that, not just with tourist spending and heads in beds, but with the advertising and marketing dollar value of these kids of efforts that are global brands. This country will dominate the world of sports for two weeks of every month.”

our of sports in the country and demonstrates the country’s appreciation for all that they achieved in their era which would have contributed to the development of sports in the country today.” In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, present day sports icons will have an opportunity to be recognised through the National Sports Awards Ceremony. The event, a concertstyled awards ceremony modelled closely after ESPNs “ESPY Awards,” will be hosted November 19 at the Atlantis Resort’s Crown Ballroom under the theme “Number Uno - Still Number 1.” “We will celebrate and award a number of different groups that have been divided into different categories. We are particularly excited about this event as we will have the opportunity to remind and showcase all of the wide number of outstanding achievements there have been in sports in this year alone.” The selection committee and members of the media will vote on a myriad of awards honouring teams, individuals, performances, coaches and federations.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 3, 2016, PAGE 7

Djokovic starts bid for 4th straight win by beating Muller By JEROME PUGMIRE AP Sports Writer PARIS (AP) — Novak Djokovic began his quest for a fourth straight Paris Masters title with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Gilles Muller of Luxembourg in the second round of the Paris Masters yesterday. The top-ranked Serb broke Muller’s serve once in each set and sealed victory with an ace. Second-ranked Andy Murray also reached the third round, but needed to scrap hard to beat Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-5. It was Murray’s 12th win in 13 career matches against the Spaniard. Murray can become No. 1 if he wins the tournament and Djokovic does not reach the final. Celebrating his win, Djokovic tapped his hand against his heart and made a throwing gesture to all four sides of the court as if to share the moment with the crowd. Djokovic has a special

bond with Paris, having won this tournament four times overall and having also clinched the French Open in June to complete his haul of all four majors. “It’s a real pleasure to come back to Paris after what I did at Roland Garros this year,” Djokovic said. “In the last few years I’ve played my best tennis here.” Djokovic saved the only break point he faced in the second serve and pounced at the right time. With the score 4-4 and 30-40, Muller sent down a strong serve that Djokovic returned powerfully. It seemed to surprise Muller, who whipped a forehand into the net to concede the game. The Serb sealed victory on his first match point with an ace straight down the middle. “Not an easy opponent, definitely, because he serves and volleys,” Djokovic said. “I found the conditions quite quick, quicker maybe than they have been last year. So it was quite favourable.”

Murray followed Djokovic on court but needed 2 ½ hours to beat Verdasco. It was scrappy stuff as both players conceded 25 break-point chances between them. Murray moved 4-2 up in the second set, but Verdasco forced a tiebreaker. During it, he led 5-1, but Murray fought back. When Verdasco eventually clinched it to level the match, Murray swiped his racket angrily through the air and then yelled at himself when he sat down. His frustration was not over yet. Although Murray forced a break to lead 2-0 in the deciding set, Verdasco held on. But Murray broke him to love in the 12th game to win. In Wednesday’s last match, US Open champion Stan Wawrinka took on Jan-Lennard Struff. Earlier, Kei Nishikori posted his 300th win to also reach the third round. The fifth-seeded Nishikori next faces 11th-seeded

SERBIA’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller during the 2nd round of the Paris Masters tennis tournament at the Bercy Arena in Paris yesterday. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) The 12-time Grand Slam champion faces Grigor Dimitrov in the third round and has a 5-1 career record against the 14th-seeded

Bulgarian. “With (his) big serve and forehand, he can hurt anybody,” Djokovic said of Dimitrov.

THe WeaTHer repOrT

5-Day Forecast

TOday

OrlandO

High: 83° F/28° C low: 64° F/18° C

Tampa

FrIday

saTurday

sunday

mOnday

Partly sunny with a shower in spots

Partly cloudy with a shower

Sunny to partly cloudy

Partly sunny with a shower in spots

Some sun with a shower; breezy

Partly sunny, a shower; breezy

High: 84°

Low: 72°

High: 82° Low: 71°

High: 81° Low: 71°

High: 82° Low: 72°

High: 82° Low: 71°

AccuWeather RealFeel

94° F

75° F

94°-73° F

93°-72° F

86°-69° F

85°-68° F

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.

almanac

aBaCO

High: 81° F/27° C low: 73° F/23° C

7-14 knots

High: 82° F/28° C low: 69° F/21° C

7-14 knots

FT. lauderdale

FreepOrT

High: 83° F/28° C low: 70° F/21° C

W S

WesT palm BeaCH

uV inDex toDay

TOnIGHT

High: 85° F/29° C low: 67° F/19° C

High: 83° F/28° C low: 70° F/21° C

mIamI

High: 84° F/29° C low: 70° F/21° C

7-14 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 82° F/28° C Low .................................................... 75° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 83° F/28° C Normal low ........................................ 71° F/22° C Last year’s high ................................. 90° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 76° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday .................................. trace Year to date ............................................... 48.00” Normal year to date ................................... 35.95”

eleuTHera

nassau

High: 84° F/29° C low: 72° F/22° C

High: 83° F/28° C low: 74° F/23° C

Key WesT

High: 81° F/27° C low: 73° F/23° C

High: 83° F/28° C low: 74° F/23° C

7-14 knots

7-14 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

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

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

10:42 a.m. 11:01 p.m.

3.0 2.4

4:23 a.m. 5:10 p.m.

0.5 0.6

Friday

11:22 a.m. 11:43 p.m.

3.0 2.4

5:02 a.m. 5:53 p.m.

0.6 0.7

Saturday

12:06 p.m. -----

2.9 -----

5:44 a.m. 6:38 p.m.

0.8 0.8

Sunday

12:31 a.m. 11:54 a.m.

2.3 2.8

5:33 a.m. 6:28 p.m.

0.9 0.8

Monday

12:25 a.m. 12:48 p.m.

2.4 2.8

6:29 a.m. 7:22 p.m.

0.9 0.8

Tuesday

1:25 a.m. 1:46 p.m.

2.5 2.8

7:31 a.m. 8:17 p.m.

0.9 0.6

Wednesday 2:26 a.m. 2:46 p.m.

2.6 2.9

8:36 a.m. 9:12 p.m.

0.7 0.4

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

7:19 a.m. 6:28 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

10:26 a.m. 9:35 p.m.

First

Full

last

new

nov. 7

nov. 14

nov. 21

nov. 29

CaT Island

Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, who beat Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3, 6-4. David Goffin kept alive his slim chances of qualifying for the season-ending ATP final by defeating Nicolas Mahut 7-6 (5), 6-3, but the Belgian must win the title here to clinch one of two remaining spots. Among those who can still qualify is ninth-seeded Marin Cilic, who set up a third-round match with Goffin by winning 7-6 (7), 6-2 against Ivo Karlovic. Meanwhile, big-serving American John Inser had 12 aces in a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) win against 15th-seeded David Ferrer. It was only his second win in nine matches against the Spaniard, and both have been here. In other second-round matches, 13th-seeded Lucas Pouille beat Feliciano Lopez 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-4; Jack Sock beat sixth-seeded Dominic Thiem 6-2, 6-4; Gilles Simon downed Roberto Bautista Agut 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (6); and No. 16 Pablo Cuevas won 6-1, 6-2 against Paolo Lorenzi.

andrOs

san salVadOr

GreaT eXuma

High: 83° F/28° C low: 75° F/24° C

High: 84° F/29° C low: 72° F/22° C

W S

lOnG Island

insurance management tracking map

High: 83° F/28° C low: 75° F/24° C

7-14 knots

mayaGuana High: 84° F/29° C low: 77° F/25° C

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

CrOOKed Island / aCKlIns raGGed Island

High: 83° F/28° C low: 77° F/25° C

High: 83° F/28° C low: 76° F/24° C

GreaT InaGua High: 85° F/29° C low: 75° F/24° C

8-16 knots

marine Forecast aBaCO andrOs CaT Island CrOOKed Island eleuTHera FreepOrT GreaT eXuma GreaT InaGua lOnG Island mayaGuana nassau raGGed Island san salVadOr

Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday:

WINDS NE at 7-14 Knots N at 6-12 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NNE at 6-12 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots N at 4-8 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots NNE at 8-16 Knots ENE at 7-14 Knots N at 4-8 Knots ENE at 7-14 Knots NNE at 6-12 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots N at 6-12 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NNE at 8-16 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots NNE at 6-12 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots SSE at 8-16 Knots ENE at 4-8 Knots N at 3-6 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NNE at 7-14 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots N at 4-8 Knots

WAVES 4-7 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-5 Feet 4-7 Feet 2-4 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 4-7 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-2 Feet 5-9 Feet 4-7 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet

VISIBILITY 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 80° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 83° F 83° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 82° F 82° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 82° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 82° F

PAGE 8, Thursday, November 3, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Lakers rally to beat the Hawks 123-116 ATLANTA (AP) — Lou Williams scored 16 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, and the Lakers rallied after trailing most of the game to beat the Hawks. D’Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 23 points. Williams, the Atlanta native who played for the Hawks from 2012-14, had a quiet game before his big final quarter. Dwight Howard had 31 points and 11 rebounds and Tim Hardaway Jr had 26 points for Atlanta. A 3-pointer by Brandon Ingram early in the fourth quarter gave the Lakers a 99-98 lead — their first since the opening period. A layup by Williams stretched the Lakers’ lead to 107-100. NETS 109, PISTONS 101 NEW YORK (AP) — Brook Lopez had 34 points and 11 rebounds, Sean Kilpatrick added 24 points, and the Nets beat the Pistons. Brooklyn hit 16 of its 20 shots in the first quarter to take a 38-30 advantage. The Nets had more turnovers (5) than misses. Brooklyn’s first miss came at the 6:03 mark in the first when Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was off on a 3-pointer. Lopez had 14 in the first quarter and 24 by the end of the first half to lead the Nets as Brooklyn took a 71-55 lead to the locker room. Detroit cut the lead to 11 heading into the fourth quarter and then as close as five with 1:34 remaining. Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris each scored 23 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 15 points and Jon Leuer added 11 for the Pistons. ROCKETS 118, KNICKS 99 NEW YORK (AP) — James Harden had 30 points and 15 assists, and the Rockets routed the Knicks.

The NBA’s leader coming into the day with 11.8 assists per game toyed with the Knicks defence, setting up teammates for lobs or open 3-pointers as the Rockets easily bounced back from a loss in Cleveland a night earlier. Eric Gordon added 21 points for Houston, which has won seven straight at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks haven’t defeated the Rockets at home since January 26, 2009, so long ago that their coach was current Houston coach Mike D’Antoni. Harden also grabbed six rebounds, a night after he had 41 points and 15 assists in the Rockets’ 128-120 loss in Cleveland. Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points for the Knicks, who besides their poor defense also heard loud boos for their rebounding and turnovers in a dismal performance. RAPTORS 113, WIZARDS 103 WASHINGTON (AP) — DeMar DeRozan continued his hot start by scoring 40 points and outdueling John Wall in a showcase of All-Star guards as the Raptors beat the winless Wizards. DeRozan was 14 of 23 from the floor despite leaving the game briefly to get his ankles taped. Raptors backcourt made Kyle Lowry needed three stitches to close a cut below his right eye but still scored 18 points.Those problems didn’t slow down the Raptors (3-1) as they spoiled the home opener for the Wizards (0-3). Terrence Ross added 15 points for Toronto. Wall was dominant in leading Washington with 33 points on 13 of 19 shooting and 11 assists. Otto Porter was 11 of 13 from the field for 23 points and Bradley Beal scored 15, but the Wizards did themselves in with 21 turnovers that Toronto

turned into 30 points. CELTICS 107, BULLS 100 BOSTON (AP) — Isaiah Thomas had 23 points and 10 assists, and the Boston Celtics handed the Chicago Bulls their first loss of the season, 107-100 on Wednesday night. Amir Johnson also finished 23 points, including four 3-pointers, to help the Celtics avenge their lone loss of the season. Boston played without centre Al Horford, who was placed in the concussion protocol Tuesday after exhibiting concussive symptoms during practice. JAZZ 97, MAVERICKS 81 SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — George Hill scored 25 points and the Utah Jazz defeated the Dallas Mavericks 97-81 on Wednesday night. Hill continued to power the Jazz offensively after coming to the team in a three-way trade with the Pacers and Hawks last summer. He has scored 18-plus points in all five games, the only Jazz player to do so. The Mavericks trailed the entire game except for a 1615 lead at the beginning of the second quarter. After shooting just 37.0 per cent in the first quarter, the Jazz hit 49.2 per cent the rest of the way. They were 12 for 25 from 3-point range. Rodney Hood scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Jazz as teammate Rudy Gobert had 12 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 14 points, but they shot just 26.9 per cent behind the arc. HORNETS 109, 76ERS 93 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kemba Walker had 22 points, Nicolas Batum scored 17 of 20 points

LAKERS’ D’Angelo Russell scores against the Atlanta Hawks last night. (AP) in a pivotal third quarter and the Charlotte Hornets handed the Philadelphia 76ers their fourth straight loss to open the season, 10993 on Wednesday night. Led by Batum, the Hornets opened the second

half on a 16-2 run to erase a seven-point halftime deficit and gain control. Batum, who came into game shooting just 27 per cent from the field and was limited to three points in the first half, was 6 of 8 in

the third quarter with three 3-pointers as the Hornets outscored the 76ers 39-20. The 76ers didn’t help themselves with eight turnovers in the third quarter that led to 12 Charlotte points.

DECEMBER 23, 2016 | 1 P.M. ET - THOMAS A. ROBINSON NATIONAL STADIUM LIVE ON

FEATURED CONFERENCE STANDINGS

BOWL ELIGIBLE TEAMS AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT THE THOMAS A. ROBINSON NATIONAL STADIUM BOX OFFICE OR ONLINE AT NSA-BAHAMAS.COM For more info, contact the Stadium Box Office at 325-0376

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE: AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Friday, November 4 * Temple at UConn (ESPN2) Saturday, November 5 * Tulane at UCF * Brigham Young at Cincinnati * East Carolina at Tulsa (ESPNews) * Memphis at SMU (ESPNews) Navy vs. Notre Dame CONFERENCE USA Saturday, November 5 * Charlotte at Southern Miss * Florida Atlantic at Rice * FIU at WKU * LA Tech at North Texas * Marshall at Old Dominion Houston Baptist at UTEP MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE Thursday, November 3 * Buffalo at Ohio Friday, November 4 * Central Michigan at Miami Tuesday, November 8 * Eastern Michigan at Ball State * Western Michigan at Kent State Wednesday, November 9 * Bowling Green at Akron * Toledo at Northern Illnois * - conference games

* USF * Temple UCF East Carolina Cincinnati UConn

AAC 4-1 4-1 2-2 1-3 1-4 1-5

Overall 7-2 6-3 4-4 3-5 4-4 3-6

Houston

Temple

Tulsa

USF

CONFERENCE USA

WEST DIVISION

Navy * Tulsa * Houston Memphis SMU Tulane * - bowl eligible

AAC 4-1 3-1 4-2 2-2 2-2 0-4

Overall 5-2 6-2 7-2 5-3 4-4 3-5

Louisiana Tech

Middle Tennessee

WKU

MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE

Ohio

Toledo

Western Michigan

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BLAKE BORTLES (UCF) Current NFL quarterback Blake Bortles was the 2013 American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year during his college career at UCF from 2011-13. He is fifth in UCF career pass attempts with 891, fourth in completions with 585, fourth in passing yards (7.598), fourth in touchdowns (56) and first in passing efficiency rating (153.76). He joined Daunte Culpepper as the only two UCF quarterbacks to have two sea sons of at least 3,000 yards passing. As a junior in 2013, Bortles was named first team AAC All-Conference, the Sporting News American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and a Sports Illustrated Honorable Mention All-American. He completed 259 of 382 passes for 3,581 yards, 25 touchdowns and a 163.43 efficiency rating. He was the 2014 Fiesta Bowl’s Offensive MVP after throwing for 301 yards and three TDs in a 52-42 victory over Baylor. In his sophomore season of 2012, Bortles was named to All-Conference USA second-team honors. He started all 14 games and threw for 3,059 yards, 25 touchdowns, a 62.9 completion percentage and a 144.48 rating. He was selected as the 2012 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl MVP after completing 22 of 33 passes for 272 passing yards and three TDs vs, Ball State. Bortles entered the NFL Draft after his junior season, and he was selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2014 NFL Draft. Through the 2015 season, Bortles has completed 635 of 1081 passes for 7,336 yards and 46 touchdowns (all fourth place in club history). He set Jaguars franchise records with 4,428 pass yards and 35 TDs in 2015.