![[SPORTS] UFC BEIJING WEIGH-IN RESULTS: COULTER MISSES WEIGHT](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8668-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 23, 2018 | SPORTS
Blaydes-Ngannou Main Event Tilt Cleared
The UFC makes it’s return to Beijing, China for a Fight Night event headlined by a hard-hitting heavyweight matchup between Curtis “Razor” Blaydes (10-1, 5-1 UFC) vs Francis Ngannou (11-3, 6-2 UFC) in a five-round main event at the Cadillac Arena.
That fight is official as both men made the 265-pound heavyweight limit when they stepped on the scales Friday morning in Beijing. Curtis Blaydes — who is looking to avenge his only professional defeat — stepped on the scales at 260 pounds. Searching for the magic he once held, Francis Ngannou would come in light at 254 pounds as he looks to snap a two-fight losing streak.
The co-headliner features a heavyweight battle between long-time UFC heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem and Sergey Pavlovich. Overeem tipped the scales at a light 247 pounds while the undefeated Pavlovich weighed in at 257 pounds.
Rashad Coulter, who is making the move down to light heavyweight after a renaissance in the heavyweight division, came in two pounds heavy at 208 pounds. He will forfeit 20 percent of his fight purse to his opponent Yaozoung Hu, who is a native of Beijing.
Here are the full weigh-in results below.
UFC Fight Night 141 Weigh-In Results
Curtis Blaydes (260) vs. Francis Ngannou (254)
Alistair Overeem (247) vs. Sergey Pavlovich (257)
Jingliang Li (171) vs. David Zawada (171)
Vince Morales (136) vs. Yadong Song (136)
Alex Morono (170.5) vs. Kenan Song (170)
Lauren Mueller (126) vs. Yanan Wu (126)
Rashad Coulter (*208) vs. Yaozong Hu (205)
Jessica Aguilar (115) vs. Weili Zhang (116)
Martin Day (136) vs. Pingyuan Liu (135)
Syuri Kondo (115.5) vs. Xiaonan Yan (116)
Kevin Holland (186) vs. John Phillips (186)
Louis Smolka (135.5) vs. Sumudaerji Sumudaerji (134.5)
What are your thoughts on UFC Fight Night 141? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] OLE MISS AND MISSISSIPPI STATE ENGAGE IN BRAWL DURING EGG BOWL](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8667-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 23, 2018 | SPORTS
Tempers Flare In Oxford
The Egg Bowl has a symbolic meaning for both Ole Miss and Mississippi State. The hatred burns deep for both of these SEC programs, and with emotions running high on Thanksgiving Night, that wasn’t about to change.
After a touchdown score by Ole Miss’ wide receiver A.J. Brown near the end of the quarter, the two teams’ players began shoving each other in and outside of the end zone, with punches soon beginning to be thrown.
The brawl would escalate and both sidelines would intervene, as Ole Miss freshman quarterback Matt Corral had his helmet ripped off by Mississippi State’s Jamal Peters in the end zone during an ugly confrontation.
Every player on each team were given unsportsmanlike penalties in one of the uglier scenes in college football this season.
Four players in total were ejected from the game, as Mississippi State’s Willie Gay Jr., Jamal Peters, Cameron Dantzler and Ole Miss’ C.J. Moore were sent to the showers early.
Ole Miss’ touchdown was wiped off the board with the penalties as time had expired in the quarter. Mississippi State led 28-3 after three and went on to win the rivalry game 35-3.
Should there be further disciplinary actions by each team regarding tonight’s brawl? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] NFL THANKSGIVING DAY RECAP: COOPER SHINES IN BIG ‘D’](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8665-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 23, 2018 | SPORTS
Cowboys Knock Off ‘Skins, Saints Defense Roars, Ans Bears Tame Lions
Hello and good evening! Here’s hoping you enjoyed a very Happy Thanksgiving with your family, friends and loved ones.
The NFL Thanksgiving Day tradition continued on with three divisional matchups all having significant importance to the NFC playoff picture.
We were treated to a fun game in Detroit, a NFC East clash in Dallas, and a showcase for what many believe is the best team in the NFL in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Defense, Daniel Deliver For Bears In Detroit
The Chicago Bears were hopeful that a ailing Mitchell Trubisky would be ready to go for this Thursday’s game vs the Detroit Lions.
When Chicago ruled Trubisky out with a shoulder injury, confidence didn’t wane as Matt Nagy showed complete faith in long-time backup quarterback Chase Daniel, who was set for just his third career start.
The 32-year-old would make good on his opportunity and the Chicago Bears came up with another fourth quarter defensive touchdown squeaked by the Detroit Lions for their fifth consecutive victory.
Chicago Bears’ safety Eddie Jackson scored a touchdown on a interception return for the second consecutive week, leading a chorus for the second straight week as he was mobbed by much of the Chicago Bears bench as well as the defense on the field.
Prince Amukumara and the Bears defense turned up the heat late on Matthew Stafford and the Lions. Photo by John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Chase Daniel was steady for the NFC-North leading Bears, throwing for 230 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Daniel helped the Bears offense answer the Detroit Lions on multiple occasions, first with a touchdown throw in the second quarter and then a touchdown throw in the fourth quarter, both giving Chicago the lead.
After Matthew Stafford led Detroit to a 16-16 tie in the fourth quarter, the Chicago Bears defense once again impacted the game with Jackson’s pick-six and then Kyle Fuller’s game-sealing interception down in the red zone on Detroit’s final possession.
After losing consecutive games to the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, the Chicago Bears are in position to run away with the NFC North with five games remaining.
The Chicago Bears (8-3) will visit the New York Giants next Sunday at MetLife Stadium looking to make it six straight victories.
Cooper’s Huge Day Leads Cowboys To NFC East Lead
The road to the top of the division wasn’t the road best traveled, but after yet another victory, this time over their divisional rivals from the Nation’s Capitol, the Dallas Cowboys have arrived.
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Redskins 31-23 on Thursday afternoon at the AT&T Stadium to take the division lead atop the NFC East.
Amari Cooper had a electric performance in just his fourth game with the Dallas Cowboys. He finished the game with receiving yards and two touchdowns, scoring on a 40-yarder and then a 90-yarder in the third quarter as Dallas soon turned a 13-10 deficit into what looked like a wipeout at 31-13 early in the fourth quarter.
Dak Prescott would finish with 289 passing yards and three total touchdowns, including a sensational 5-yard touchdown run in which he covered 34 total yards while escaping a sack on the play before flipping into the end zone for the score.
Trailing 31-13 in the fourth quarter, Colt McCoy and the Washington Redskins would fight back against the Cowboys, answering with a quick strike after Dallas went up 18 while their defense would get a stop on 4th and inches on the next possession.
The Redskins comeback bid, however, would hir a snag after Colt McCoy was intercepted by Xavier Woods with 4:26 remaining in the game on a bad throw into tight coverage that was deflected by standout cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.
Dallas’ offensive line struggled to protect Prescott in the first half, allowing four sacks on the Cowboys quarterback in what was a low-scoring affair in the first half.
That would change completely in the second half as the Cowboys offensive line kept Washington’s pass rush at Bay, allowing Prescott to picked them apart.
Ezekiel Elliot was also strong on the ground, finishing with 121 rushing yards and a touchdown. It’s his third consecutive game with 100 rushing yards.
Dallas’ defense shutdown Washington’s run game, which allowed Rod Marinelli’s defensive unit to get after Colt McCoy, intercepting him three times and sacking him three times.
Washington fought on valiantly after losing their starting quarterback Alex Smith to a devastating leg injury just four days prior. Jay Gruden’s team offensively has been snake bitten by injuries, and now with losses in three out of their past four games, have questions that need to be answered as their grasp on the division has slipped away.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys will look to keep up their momentum and stay on track in the NFC East race as they host the New Orleans Saints next Thursday night.
Brees, Saints Stay Hot; Win 10th Straight
It didn’t start well for Drew Brees. On the Saints second offensive possession he threw just his second interception of the season, and on the following drive he bobbled a snap, falling to his knees as he corralled it.
The funny thing about the latter is what happened after that: A Saints first down.
The New Orleans Saints offense ran into some highs and lows, but a strong performance by the defense more than helped as they cruised to a convincing 31-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Drew Brees threw for 171 passing yards and four touchdowns as the Saints won their 10th consecutive game.
The Saints defense anchored this victory for New Orleans, creating a season-high four turnovers. Three denied the Falcons of coming away with any points on the board in New Orleans territory while one that allowed New Orleans’ offense to ice the game.
Continuing a strong stretch of defense over their past three games, the Saints have created nine turnovers and have 13 sacks over their past three games.
For what it’s worth, the Falcons defense actually played well on Thursday night, holding New Orleans to 312 total yards and Drew Brees to a season-low 171 passing yards. The issue was that their offense couldn’t solve the puzzle that has suddenly become the New Orleans Saints defense, led by Cameron Jordan.
The Saints pass rush was terrifying, and on most of Matt Ryan’s drop backs he was under duress and either sacked or forced into an errant throw.
Ryan finished the game with 383 passing yards and two touchdowns, but those numbers were offset by a pair of turnovers that altered the complexion of the game.
The New Orleans Saints (10-1) just keep on churning along as they look unstoppable even when they aren’t on their A-game.
The team yielded yards and the offense looked human after scoring 45+ over their past three games, but it was clear that the Saints were the better football team as they continue their domination of the NFL.
The Saints 10th straight win is also their seventh by at least 10 points this season.
They will look to extend their streak to 11 when they visit the Dallas Cowboys next Thursday night at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
What are your thoughts on today’s NFL Thanksgiving action? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] LEBRON RETURNS TO CLEVELAND AGAIN; LAKERS WIN](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8647.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 22, 2018 | SPORTS
James Hailed At Quicken Loans Arena In Return
There was no increased security presence, objects thrown, or an angry mob ready to tear LeBron James’ head off.
Eight years after one of the most memorable and emotional homecomings for a former player vs his old team, time, lessons from the past and James’ brilliant second run in Cleveland appeared to heal all ones.
Playing in Cleveland for the first time as a Los Angeles Laker, LeBron James was given a standing ovation by his former team at Quicken Loans Arena.
During the first stop in action, James received a special video package from the Cleveland Cavaliers, shown on the video board in the arena during a timeout that highlighted James’ second run that culminated with the superstar leading the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship ever back in 2016.
The video package also highlighted James New ‘I Promise’ school in Akron, Ohio, which opened on July 31st.
On a night that was mostly quiet and devoid of electricity like that night back on December 2nd, 2010, the fans came to life in the fourth quarter as James’ old team, led by former Los Angeles Laker Jordan Clarkson, were in control in the fourth quarter after a strong push.
The Cavaliers owned a 96-87 lead after a 10-0 run in the period, but that lead would disappear after James drilled a 3-pointer from near the top of the key to tie the game at 99-99 with 2:56 remaining in the game.
He would give Los Angeles the lead on a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession for Los Angeles before he and the Lakers closed out a 109-105 victory in Cleveland.
James finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, a game after he scored 51 points in Miami in Sunday evening, another one of his former clubs.
The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the game a league-worst 2-13, not a surprise given what the presence of LeBron James had on the franchise and has had on each franchise he’s been apart of in his long and illustrious career.
Without Kevin Love, the team showed the type of fight that you’d expect to see in a nightly basis, but they’re still working on that and may be for a long time if the team doesn’t find fortunes in future drafts, can you say Zion Williamson Cavalier fans?
As for LeBron James, he treated this game like any other game, as the animosity he had for the Cleveland Cavaliers, in particular Dan Gilbert, has waned and the iconic basketball star didn’t feel the need to stick it to the Cavaliers like he did back in 2010 when his Miami Heat blew out the post-LeBron Cavaliers 118-90.
The Los Angeles Lakers (10-7) have room to improve, and they’re doing it as they’re defending at a higher level and running their offensive sets how they want to.
James and the Cavaliers have gone their separate ways, and while the Cleveland Cavaliers are in a total rebuild because of it, they are at the very least a team not living in the past.
That in itself is progress.
What are your thoughts on LeBron James’ return to Cleveland? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] NETS CAN’T CONTINUE WINNING WAYS AS MAVS STAY HOT](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8646-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 22, 2018 | SPORTS
Texas Fold Em’
There are games when you look the 82-game schedule that you’re supposed to win and supposed to lose. A fourth game in six nights, all four in different cities, fall in line with the games you’re supposed to lose.
The Brooklyn Nets fell to the Dallas Mavericks 119-113 at the American Airlines Center as they could not make it two-in-a-row on the road on back-to-back nights.
Harrison Barnes scored a game-high 28 points for the Dallas Mavericks as they won for the fifth time in six games.
Dallas got what they want when they wanted to on the offensive end of the floor, shooting 48.7 percent from the floor and 40.7 percent from downtown.
The Brooklyn Nets hung in there with Dallas for much of the game, tying the game early in the fourth quarter, but their inability to rebound the basketball — particularly late while trying to climb back to take the lead — failed them in Dallas.
Allen Crabbe scored a season-high 27 points for the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, drilling seven 3-pointers from beyond the arc.
His shooting helped to keep Brooklyn afloat on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense was a step slow most of the night.
Brooklyn received 19 points and seven assists from Spencer Dinwiddie and 17 points and nine rebounds from Ed Davis off the bench, but Dallas’ bench countered those performances.
Devin Harris and J.J. Barrea each scored 18 points off the bench while Maximilian Kleber contributed 11 points.
That guy Luka Donic was pretty good as well, as he finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.
A forgettable loss in which the other team just outplayed them, Brooklyn shouldn’t have much trouble digesting this one.
The Brooklyn Nets will host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Barclays Center on Friday afternoon as they look to avenge last week’s loss.
What are your thoughts on Brooklyn’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] BURKE, KNICKS HANG ON TO BEAT CELTICS IN BOSTON](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_8643-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Nov 22, 2018 | SPORTS
Win, Win, Win, Win
The New York Knicks entering Boston on the second night of a back-to-back came in looking for an upwards trajectory.
One of the more surprising developments to begin this season is the fact that the Knicks weren’t the only team playing on Wednesday night looking for the same as well, and now alarms are ringing.
The New York Knicks squandered a huge lead to the Boston Celtics but still came away with a 117-109 win at the TD Garden Arena on Wednesday night to snap their six-game losing streak.
Trey Burke scored 29 points while collecting 11 assists and six rebounds as the Knicks beat the Celtics for the first time since December 21st of last year.
Scoring 18 of his 29 points in the first half, He scored on two huge baskets with under a minute left in the game as he hit a jumper off the backboard and a 3-pointer over Jayson Tatum to ice the game on his next shot attempt.
The former Michigan alum is enjoying one of the best stretches of his career as he is averaging 25.7 PPG off the bench for the Knicks over his past four games.
Leading by eight after the first quarter, the New York Knicks opened up a 26-point lead in the second quarter as the Knicks scored 39 points in the quarter.
Boston battled back to cut into the large deficit near the end of the first half and early in the third quarter got the game within 10 points on several occasions.
New York would ballon the lead to 21 points early in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics — aided by free throws — made a huge rally with the efforts of Gordon Hayward and Marcus Morris proving key.
They cut New York’s lead to four with 1:05 remaining in the game after a Gordon Hayward 3-pointer and then to three points after Al Horford split a pair of free throws at the line.
As mentioned, it would be Trey Burke playing the hero here, turning back the scrappy but struggling Boston Celtics, who fell to 9-9 on the season.
The New York Knicks (5-14) banged home 15 3-pointers in Beantown on Wednesday night, taking advantage of lackadaisical defense by the Boston Celtics.
They would also shoot 49.4 percent from the field while holding Boston to 39.2 percent from the field.
Kyrie Irving scored a team-high 22 points, but on just 9-for-25 shooting, and six Celtics finished in double figures, but it would not be enough in what was their third consecutive loss.
A day after playing a close one at home with the Portland Trail Blazers in a losing effort, New York’s effort level on the road vs a team that coming into the season was looked at as favorites to reach the NBA Finals from the Eastern Conference was nothing short of impressive.
New York was expected to get rolled, but it was David Fizdale’s Knicks doing the rolling for the most part. Cleaning up their ability to hold onto a lead and not have to play in a nail biter down the stretch is a point of improvement that players like Trey Burke even acknowledged in his halftime interview before heading to the locker room.
Tonight, they didn’t fold like they have on several occasions this season, but nonetheless, allowing Boston to nearly steal this one was frightening for any Knicks fan watching the game.
The New York Knicks will return home to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Madison Square Garden as they look for their first home victory since October 29th.
What are your thoughts on New York’s impressive win in Boston? Leave your comments below!
