Showing posts with label Ben Tate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ben Tate. Show all posts

Friday, November 7, 2014

On The Mark 11.7.14: #Browns Recap

Browns Dominate Both Sides Of The Ball, Destroy The Bengals 24-3, Tied For First Place
By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns are now tied for first place with a 24-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Bengals that wasn't even close.  Brian Hoyer, now 9-3 as a Browns starter, was sharp once again, throwing for 198 yards while the running trio of Terrance West, Ben Tate and Isaiah Crowell each scored a rushing touchdown and combined for 170 yards rushing with West leading the way with 94 yards.  Even without Andrew Hawkins or Jordan Cameron as well as fighting the wind at Paul Brown Stadium, Hoyer was able to get the ball to Miles Austin, Travis Benjamin, Taylor Gabriel and Gary Barnidge when needed.

On the other end, the Browns defense was dominating from start to finish against Andy Dalton, who may have had one of his worst games a pro.  He threw for 3 interceptions,  2 of them to Buster Skrine, and was off all night.  A.J. Green, covered by Joe Haden for most of the night, was a non factor and Greg Little, for all of his "someone will pay" comments, was once again plagued by stone hands and was hit with a personal foul for head butting.  Tashaun Gipson also caused a fumble on Jeremy Hill which was recovered by Joe Haden so the Browns had 4 turnovers all together as well as keeping the Bengals to 3 points in 4 quarters.

My take: The Browns are for real.  They brought their A game to a Thursday night national audience on the road.  Mike Pettine, Jim O'Neil and Kyle Shanahan all had great coached games tonight with the players absolutely ready for this important division series.  It also ended their 17 game AFC North road losing streak.  Ironically, their last AFC North win on the road was to Cincinnati in 2008.  Even with the wind and rain, Brian Hoyer showed his leadership on offense while the Browns were absolutely dominant on defense.  The Browns are a viable playoff team at this point.  Damn that feels good to type!

Next up: A long 10 day stretch until they face the Houston Texans back in Cleveland.  The Browns fans will be pumped for that game.

Monday, October 13, 2014

On The Mark 10.13.14: #Browns Recap

NOT The "Same Old Browns" as Cleveland Destroys Pittsburgh, 31-10
By @MarkW2112

You read it right.  This is NOT the Same Old Browns.  This is a new team and new attitude as the Browns decimate the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-10 in a game that was never really close after the second quarter.

The Steelers were able to get on the board first, 3-0 while the Browns offense seemed to struggle to get off the ground, having -8 yards in the first quarter.  But once the second quarter rolled around, Brian Hoyer and the offense got on a roll and didn't stop.  With big time plays to Miles Austin and a bomb to Jordan Cameron, the Browns scored the first TD of the game in the second quarter on a 5 yard touchdown run by Isaiah Crowell to make it 7-3.  After getting the ball back on downs from the Steelers, Hoyer connected to Cameron again on a 51 yard touchdown pass to make it 14-3.  Ben Tate scored his first of two touchdowns of the game later in the second quarter to make it 21-3 before halftime.

It appeared the Steelers just couldn't get it going on offense with the Browns defense finally stepping up amid injuries to Phil Taylor and, during the game, to his replacement Armonty Bryant.  Even without them along with an inactive Ahtyba Rubin, the Browns were able to keep everything in front of them with Buster Skrine and Joe Haden having their best games of the year.  In fact, it may have been the defenses best all around game this year.

As great as the Browns offense was, the biggest blow to the team was the possible loss of Alex Mack to a broken leg.  He had to carted off the field and appeared to be in tremendous pain.  Mack had played every game as a Cleveland Brown since he was drafted in 2009.  While it would appear to be a huge loss, John Greco came in and performed admirably in his place even though he has never played a game at center (only during practice).

Hoyer, Tate, Cameron and Crowell were the offensive stars of the game.  Even though Hoyer only went 8-for-17, he did throw 217 yards and a touchdown with a 93.6 QBR according to ESPN.com.  Tate ran for 78 yards and 2 TD's, Crowell 77 yards and a TD and Cameron 3 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown.

My take: This team has taken on the personality of its tough as nails head coach Mike Pettine.  It was a team effort all of the way around.  Hoyer is the leader at QB the Browns have desperately searching for since 1999 and while Mack's loss is tough, the o-line performed well without him.  The defense seems to finally be gelling together even with the losses of A. Bryant and Phil Taylor.  The depth on the team should keep them playing at a high level.

Next up for the Browns: in Jacksonville against a very bad Jaguars team.  The Browns, however, should not take them lightly.  And I don't anticipate they will.

Monday, October 6, 2014

On The Mark 10.6: #Browns & #Buckeyes Recaps

Blow Out By The Bucks & Amazing Comeback By The Browns
By @MarkW2112

For this weeks On The Mark, I will be recapping both the Buckeyes and Browns in one article!

First, the Buckeyes.  Ohio State made quick work of the Maryland Terrapins with a 52-24 blow out in College Park.  J.T. Barrett is opening eyes all over with his poise and precision, going 18-of-23 for 267 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Ezekiel Elliot lead all rushers with 139 yards on 24 carries.  Barrett ran for 71 yards and a touchdown to go along with his impressive throwing yards.

The defense was mostly solid with 4 interceptions.  Maryland was never really in it and while C.J. Brown started the game, Caleb Rowe came in the second half to try and spark their offense.  And while they were able to get 24 points, it seemed the Bucks offense were always able to respond with a touchdown of their own.  The Buckeyes, as expected, were the better team all around, a nice way to go in to another off week with their first Big Ten win.


As for the Browns, all you can say is perhaps these are the 2014 version of the Kardiac Kids.  The Browns defense were as bad as they have been the first 3 games, giving Jake Locker a ton of time to throw the ball and providing holes for their running backs to scoot through for big yards.  One of those runs by Locker was for a touchdown, in which he was hit in the helmet by Chris Kirksey.  This hit had an effect not only on Locker, but his teammates for the rest of the game which killed themselves with penalties later on.  Locker was knocked out of the game for good after hitting his throwing hand on Buster Skrine's helmet who was then penalized for roughing the passer.  Enter Charlie Whitehurst, who then threw a touchdown to Kendall Wright.  Whitehurst,before the end of the first half, threw a 75 yard touchdown to Justin Hunter, who beat Skrine by a long mile to make it 28-3.  The offense also couldn't get it going though were able to get a touchdown for a 28-10 deficit before halftime.  That's when the real fun began.

Brian Hoyer, 21-of-37 for 292 yards passing, is proving that he belongs as the Browns starting quarterback, leading back from 25 points down, which is not only a Browns record but a road team record.  Travis Benjamin had both touchdowns for the Browns in the second half, including the game tying TD with 1:09 seconds left in the game.  Ben Tate throughout was a beast, rushing for 123 yards on 22 carries.  The other big play of the second half was a blocked punt by Tank Carder, making the game 28-15.  The safety was a huge turning point for the team as the Browns defense buckled down in order for Hoyer to lead his offense back.  It was a thrilling win for a franchise in desperate need of wins.

My take: the Bucks are on their way to winning their Big 10 division while the Browns are still in the thick of the AFC North division with this huge comeback win today.  To go along with the Cavs first preseason game, it was a great weekend for Cleveland sports fans.  That said, the Browns defense needs a lot more work.  If Locker had not been knocked out of the game, it could have been a loss for the Browns.  But a win is a win.

Up next: the Buckeyes are idle next weekend while the Browns play the hated Steelers in Cleveland next Sunday.  It would be nice if the Browns could put together a full game.

Leadoff with Lee 10.6.14


Wow! The Browns overcame a 25 point deficit to record a 29-28 victory against the Tennessee Titans. The Browns now hold the record for the biggest comeback in NFL history by a road team. And of course, the biggest comeback in Browns history. Browns running back Ben Tate had a career-high rushing day going for 123 yards. I feel no matter who is running the ball for the Browns, the offensive line is the most improved personal group from last year.

-Peyton Manning threw for his 500th career touchdown yesterday versus the Arizona Cardinals. He finished the game with 479 yards and 4 touchdowns.

-Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday had a career-high and set a NCAA Division I record throwing for 734 yards in addition to 6 touchdowns in a 60-59 loss to Cal.

-Five of the top eight in the Associated Press poll lost in the same week for the first time in history. #2 Oregon lost to Arizona 31-24, #3 Alabama lost to #11 Mississippi 23-17, #4 Oklahoma lost to #25 Texas Christian University 37-3,3 #6 Texas A&M lost to #12 Mississippi State 48-31 and #8 UCLA lost to Utah 30-28.

-The American League must be full of brooms. As the Kansas City Royals swept the Los Angeles Angels in three games in the best of five series, the Baltimore Orioles also swept the Detroit Tigers in their 5 game series. The Orioles and Royals will get some well deserved rest as the series doesn't start until Friday October 10.

-Leadoff with Lee will be returning on a regular basis starting today. I'm just getting adjusted to covering the national sports scene and figuring out what's hot and what's not. @neveRWilliams and myself will be providing Cavs coverage for this season, so expect previews and recaps of the Cavs this season. Leadoff with Lee every morning to get your early morning sports fix!

-I think this is the way most Browns fans were dancing after we beat the Tennessee Titans yesterday. Check out this video:
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Man! #2014 #CadiacKids #WeTooLive

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Thursday, September 11, 2014

Leadoff with Lee 9.11.14

By @cleeverizon

-A law enforcement official says the Ray Rice video of him punching his now wife, Janay Rice, was sent to NFL offices back in April. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell claims he, nor anyone at the NFL had seen the video until Monday when TMZ Sports put it on their website.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the law enforcement official played a voicemail from a phone number coming from NFL offices that stated, "Your right, that's terrible". Ray Rice was initially suspended by the NFL for two games, until Monday when the video leaked and was ultimately was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and cut by the Baltimore Ravens. Roger Goodell and the NFL order a independent investigation into who was on this voicemail and who this law enforcement official is. Former FBI director Robert S. Mueller III will lead the investigation in the handling of evidence in the Ray Rice domestic violence case for the NFL. Apparently 25-30 casino staff members saw the video, with a dozen or more members having access to the recording. To Be Continued...

-Browns head coach Mike Pettine officially labeled running back Ben Tate out for Sunday's game versus the New Orleans Saints. Tate suffered a sprained knee in last Sunday's loss against the Steelers. He's expected to miss about two weeks. Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell will see plenty of playing time this weekend. Monday, the Browns worked out tight end Kellen Davis, but ultimately signed Gerell Robinson on Tuesday off of the Broncos practice squad. Robinson is a former wide receiver turned tight end who can stretch the field. Jordan Cameron has a injured A.C. joint in his shoulder and is listed day-to-day. With this signing, it seems as if the Browns will give Cameron a rest this weekend.

-The NFL and NFLPA are a mere day or so away from increasing the marijuana threshold, modifying DUI penalties and HGH testing. If the two sides can come to a agreement, approximately 20 players could be able to play for their teams sooner rather than later. The most notable players are the Denver Broncos' Wes Welker and Cleveland Browns' Josh Gordon.

-The Cavs officially announced they signed "The Matrix", Shawn Marion on Monday. The 17-year veteran power forward will come off the bench for the first time in his career. He averaged 10.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last year. The 6'7", 228lbs forward will offer increased depth for the bench.

-Remember to Like Us On Facebook and to Follow Us On Twitter

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

The Raven Report, 9.9.14 (By @nevaRWilliams)

By @neveRWilliams

-The Baltimore Ravens terminated running back Ray Rice's contract on Monday. The NFL also suspended Rice indefinitely. All of this was due to the release of a TMZ Sports video that shed more light on the domestic violence that occurred between Rice and then fiancee, now wife Janay Palmer in February 2014. While each hit the other, there really isn't ANY reason for that man or any man to throw a punch into a woman's face, body or anything.

The Ravens and the NFL reacted "swiftly" due to the release of the video and warranted outrage from it on Monday morning. Rice, if you remember, was initially suspended 2 games on July 24. Rice, 27, was charged with felony aggravated assault in the case, but in May was put into a pretrial intervention program that let him avoid jail time.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after seeing the video for the first time on Monday, "It changed things" and "It made things a little bit different".

Another interesting note, is that the NFL and Roger Goddell said that they also did not see this video until yesterday. BUT, if they did, and Goddell did, and still only issued a 2 game suspension, this could very well lead to the ouster or resignation of Commissioner Roger Goddell.

-The NFL Players Association is set to vote on a new drug policy later today. The vote will consist of the 32 player representatives of each team deciding whether or not to approve human growth hormone (HGH) testing for the first time ever and make significant changes to the testing for marijuana and expand neutral arbitration. Why should Browns fans be interested? If a new policy is agreed upon, suspended WR Josh Gordon could be reinstated and play THIS season for the team. Under the new revised policy, Gordon would not have been suspended. The same could be said for Broncos WR Wes Welker. Fingers crossed...

-Our very own @MarkW2112 found out late last night that Browns running back Ben Tate's injury suffered in last week's Steelers game was "nothing that serious".


-2014 first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney underwent arthoscopic surgery Monday on his right knee. Clowney is expected to miss 4-6 weeks for the Houston Texans. Definitely not the rookie season anyone envisioned for him.

-Indianapolis Colts pass rusher Robert Mathis has been lost for the season due to a torn Achilles tendon. Mathis is currently serving a suspension for a performance enhancing drug violation, suffered the injury last week while working out.

-Well, I guess 'Happy Valley' is happy again. Monday the NCAA decided to remove the sanctions put onto Penn State in 2012 from the Jerry Sandusky scandal. The NCAA Executive Committee eliminated the postseason ban, effective immediately and returned the full amount of available scholarships in 2015-16 to the school. Looks like Penn State will be in a bowl game this winter, IF they are good enough.

-Sometimes, you just wish you didn't have to do games like yesterday's make up game. The Angels came into Cleveland for a make up Monday afternoon and put the wood to the Cleveland Indians, 12-3. Danny Salazar got shelled for 8 hits, 2 walks and 6 earned runs, including 2 home runs, in just 4.2 innings. Jered Weaver picked up the win for the Angels. Not much you can really say about a 12-3 pounding. Just one of those games you have to try to forget ever happened and get ready for the next game. That next game is tonight at 7 PM against the Minnesota Twins. Trevor Bauer is expected to get the start for the Tribe.

-Major League Baseball announced that the 2015 season schedule will begin on April 5, 2015 and end the regular season on October 4, 2015. Now if you put two and two together, that means playoff baseball will stretch into the month of November, possibly as late as November 5 if the World Series were to get to a seventh game.

-Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 6 later today at their special event.

-In box office news, Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" is at number 1 again, raking in $10.1 million over the weekend. The comic based action comedy has now made $294 million domestic and $586 million globally. "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" held tight to the number 2 slot, adding $6.5 million to its $300 million worldwide tally. Rounding out the top 5 were "If I Stay" with $5.7 million, "Let's Be Cops" with $5.4 million and "The November Man" with $4.2 million. The Idris Elba thriller "No Good Deed" opens this Friday.

-Finally, quite possibly the biggest video game of 2014 is out today! Bungie and Activision's "mythic science fiction", first-person shooter/roleplaying game "Destiny" is out on Playstation 4, Playstation 3, Xbox One and Xbox 360. There is also a new all white Playstation 4 bundle that includes Destiny available today. Check out more about Destiny here on the game website.

Friday, August 29, 2014

On The Mark 8.29.14: Browns React (By @MarkW2112)


Browns win their final preseason game 33-13 over the Bears, now prepare for cuts and the Steelers
By @MarkW2112

As the Browns played their final preseason game Thursday night against the Chicago Bears, they needed to come out and make a big splash in order to bring a positive vibe going in to their first game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh on September 7. Thankfully, there were a few more positives than negatives during the Browns 33-13 victory over the Chicago Bears at First Energy Field.

The Browns 1st string offense had an 85 yard drive (albeit against Chicago’s backup defense) capped by a 2 yard touchdown run by Ben Tate. The most impressive part of the drive was Taylor Gabriel who may make the team as the slot receiver with Andrew Hawkins starting opposite Miles Austin this season.

After the successful first series, Johnny Manziel and the second team offense came in and were hot and cold, with a dropped pass by Gary Barnidge and then a fumble by Terrance West on their first drive. After that, Manziel was able to make some dynamic plays, including a 27 yard pass to Nate Burleson after doing what he does best, weaving and avoiding defenders before making the throw. It was probably the most dynamic play Manziel had in the 4 preseason games this year, leading the Browns to a touchdown and a field goal before the end of the first half. The only downside were JFF’s long ball, which looked like wounded ducks more often than not.

Defensively, they were not as bad on third down as they were against the Rams last Saturday night. However, Leon McFadden yet again looked to be a bubble guy who won’t make the team. Justin Gilbert, like he did many times last Saturday, got burned on pass plays, with his most poignant on a catch by Santonio Holmes in which he ran 32 yards for a touchdown where Gilbert went inside instead of outside to stop Holmes. Hopefully Gilbert will learn but his struggles are slightly worrisome for the number 8 pick in the 2014 draft. After that touchdown, the Browns second and third string defense played with much more passion, with guys on the bubble making a case to make the team.

Probably the biggest surprise of the night was the explosiveness of Isiah Crowell, who really hasn’t been on the field that much during the preseason. His 48 yard TD run was absolutely incredible. He ended his night with 102 yards on 13 carries. He absolutely made a case for himself with his burst off the line of scrimmage and tough running, plowing over defenders for extra yards. It’s obvious Dion Lewis will make the roster but Crowell may make it difficult for the Browns to cut him and hope he doesn’t get picked up before going on the Practice Squad.

Now the Browns have some tough choices to make before the final cuts. Do they keep receivers like Nate Burleson, Taylor Gabriel and Willie Snead or go after some cut veterans? Or do they trade one of their linemen (perhaps Ahtyba Ruben) for receiver help? Also, with the emergence of Isiah Crowell tonight, do they keep 4 running backs? A lot of decisions to make it the 53 man roster.

This may have been the final preseason game for the Browns, but it’s now time to get to work.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Leadoff with Lee 6.4.14


-The Cavs have interviewed five candidates to fill their vacant coaching job so far. Those who have been interviewed are Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue, Bulls assistant Adrian Griffin, former Bulls and Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro, former Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins and veteran coach Alvin Gentry. The Cavs have been mum about any front runners in their search so far, but all I can say is that it will be a assistant coach or one of two former head coaches. It could be possible that the Cavs may want to interview an assistant coach that's still in the playoffs or a assistant who was recently eliminated from the playoffs. Another possibility is the Cavs can hire one of fired Mike Brown's assistant coaches. Remember, Brown was the only one fired not his staff. I do believe they will hire someone before the NBA draft on June 26, but it's obvious they want to do a thorough search.

-Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington was suspended for one year for violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. His violation was a positive test for marijuana. The one year suspension also means he was in stage 3 of the substance abuse policy. Well, so is Browns WR Josh Gordon. This tells me that a decision on Josh Gordon can happen at any minute. Gordon has appealed his suspension, and if we even hear the words Josh Gordon and NFL in the same sentence that will mean he is suspended. If we hear nothing at all from the NFL that means Gordon won his appeal and the NFL will not release a statement. At the time this piece was written, I have not heard anything. So like the old saying goes "No news is good news".

-Five straight wins by the Indians means they are not only rockin', but they are rolling too. Yesterday's 5-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox puts them 4 1/2 games behind the first place Detroit Tigers. Do you remember just two weeks ago they were ten games out and a possible seller for the trade deadline?

Indians pitcher Nick Hagadone got his first win of the season, even though T.J House got the start. House left the game pitching 5 2/3 innings, giving up 2 earned runs, 4 strikeouts and a 3-2 lead. Marc Rzepczynski came in to close out the sixth inning followed by Scott Atchinson in the seventh inning, who gave up a earned run to give House the no decision. With the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh, Michael Bourn hits a two run double to give the Tribe a 5-3 lead. Cody Allen pitched 1 1/3 innings to record his fifth save of the season. The Indians will wrap the series up and go for their second straight sweep today with Boston at 7:05. And the good luck charm is Johnny "F'N" Football throwing out the first pitch. I can't forget the Browns FIRST, first round pick, cornerback Justin Gilbert, will also throw a first pitch too.

-The Florida Gators completed the sweep of Alabama to win the Women's College World Series. The Gators dominated in their 6-3 win over the Crimson Tide. Lauren Haegar got the start for the Gators but Delanie Gourley got the win. Hannah Rogers recorded the save for the Gators. Alabama pitcher Jaclyn Traina was rocked early, giving up a homerun and a few key base hits to give the Gators a early lead that they never lost. At one point Florida was up 5-0. What a great season of college softball. Rogers and Traina will continue playing for Team USA, so this will not be the last of softball you hear from me. Congrats Florida, Go Team USA!

Monday, June 2, 2014

Leadoff with Lee 6.2.14


-Michael Bourn brought his broom and the Indians got a sweep! Michael Bourn hit his first walk off homerun of his career to give the Tribe a 6-4 win over the Rockies. The hit came in the bottom of the 9th with 1 on and 1 out, off of Adam Ottavino. Indians pitcher Josh Tomlin had a quality start going 5 2/3 innings, giving up only 2 earned runs while recording a career best 8 strikeouts. Despite the solid start by Tomlin, reliever Scott Atchison got the win for the Tribe. Josh Tomlin has been on fire his last 5 starts and has a 3.06 era and at least 6 strikeouts. Tomlin's pitch count got to him as he was over 100 pitches in the 6th inning. The Tribe are now on a 3 game winning streak with the day off tomorrow. They open a series at home Tuesday against Terry Francona's former team, the Boston Red Sox. Cleveland Browns running back Ben Tate will throw out the first pitch.

-The Florida Gators advanced to the National Championship of the Women's College World Series with a 6-3 win over Baylor. This will be Floridas 3rd trip to the WCWS They will face Alabama tonight at 8 PM on ESPN 2!

-With Alabama's 2-0 win over Oregon yesterday, they have set up the first all SEC WCWS championship. The first of the best out of 3 games will be shown at ESPN2 at 8pm. This will be Alabama's 2nd trip in 3 years to the WCWS.

-Over in the NHL, the L.A. Kings outlasted the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 7, 5-4 in overtime. The Kings will host the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Leadoff with Lee 6.1.14


-The Indians got their second straight win against the Rockies yesterday afternoon with a 7-6 victory. The bat of Mike Aviles was on fire yesterday as he drove in four runs. Aviles hit a 3-run homerun in the second inning and then followed it up with a single in the eighth inning to break the 6-6 tie for the game winning run. Lonnie Chisenhall's bat continued to cooperate, letting him go 2-3 with a homerun and 3 RBI's. Trevor Bauer got the start for the Tribe, but pitched a no decision after having a 4-0 lead at the end of the second inning. Bauer did have a good outing going 6 innings, striking out 8 and allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. Bryan Shaw came in as the setup man, pitching 2 1/3 innings and Cody Allen pitched the 9th inning for his 3rd save of the season. The Indians will be back on the diamond this afternoon to close out the set versus the Rockies at 1:05. Josh Tomlin is expected to get the start.

-"How ya doing Johnny?" Johnny Manziel and fellow first round pick Justin Gilbert will throw out the first pitches at Wednesday's Tribe game against the Boston Red Sox. Running back Ben Tate will throw out his first pitch a day prior on Tuesday. It's about time that the Browns and Indians P.R. departments got together to unite the fan bases.

-More of Johnny. He was in L.A. this weekend for the trading card company, Topps, taking pictures for his football card and signing autograph inserts. Best believe this is going to be the most sought after card on the market this year.

-Despite Russell Westbrook's epic 34 point, 8 assist, 6 steal, 7 rebound game, that was not enough to overcome the Spurs. San Antonio closed out the Western Conference Finals with a 112-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, in overtime. Spurs point guard Tony Parker missed the entire second half of the game with ankle soreness, that was seen during pre-game warmups. Boris Diaw led the Spurs with 26 points and Tim Duncan contributed 15 in his effort. The Spurs will have a rematch of last year's NBA Finals against the Miami Heat which will start Thursday on ABC.

-I will also be covering the Women's College World Series on Tuesday, June 2nd. If you haven't been watching, you don't know what you have been missing!