Author Archives: ianbethune

Video: UConn Men Upset Notre Dame 65-58

I've been saying all along this season that once Big East play began, the UConn Huskies men's basketball team were going to give teams problems.

And that's exactly what happened on Saturday afternoon against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

University of Connecticut Huskies forward Tyler Olander, 10, blocks a shot by Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Jack Cooley, 45, during the first half. Behind the strong play of Shabazz Napier and Tyler Olander, UConn was able to pull off the 65-58 upset of the Fighting Irish in front of 9,149 at Purcell Pavillion at the Joyce Center.

UConn improves to 12-3 (2-1 Big East) while Notre Dame falls to 14-2 (2-1).

The win by the Huskies stopped a Fighting Irish 12-game winning streak and a 17-game home winning streak. The last time the Irish lost at home, it was last season against UConn.

Napier led the way with 19 points and had five rebounds and four assists. Olander played by far his best game of the season on both ends of the floor. He finished with a career-high 16 points and seven rebounds.

Ryan Boatright, who playing in front of a lot of family and friends who made the two hour trip from Chicago to South Bend, didn't disappoint them with 14 points, three rebounds and five assists. DeAndre Daniels led the Huskies with nine rebounds to go along with eight points.

Eric Atkins paced Notre Dame with 18 points and four assists. Jack Cooley added 14 points and nine rebounds while Jerian Grant had 11 points and four assists.

So how did UConn win this game?

They played great defensively and once again outrebounded their opponent. From various media reports and the television broadcast, UConn head coach Kevin Ollie implemented a new rebounding drill. Well we can say it it has worked well as UConn outrebounded Notre Dame 34-28.

This was the Olander we've been waiting for all season long. He was strong offensively and defensively he was outstanding especially given he had to cover the double-double machine of Cooley. The help defense was great too.

UConn needs to continue this type of play as their schedule doesn't get any kinder to them. They'll have a short turn around as they return home on Monday night to host the Louisville Cardinals at the XL Center. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.

To continue reading, please click on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

UConn Huskies @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish 1.12.13 box score

Here are the postgame quotes from Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey and UConn head coach Kevin Ollie.

Here are UConn's postgame notes.

Here are Notre Dame's postgame notes.

<

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credit: richard messina – hartford courant (no. 6 in gallery)

2012 NFL AP All-Pro Team

While we'll have to wait a few more weeks for the Associated Press to announce their yearly award winners, they have announced their All-Pro Teams for the 2012 NFL season.

APThe New England Patriots only had two members on the team. DT Vince Wilfork made the AP All-Pro First Team while G Logan Mankins made the AP All-Pro Second Team.

AP All-Pro First Team:

OFFENSE:

QB:  Peyton Manning, Broncos

RB:  *Adrian Peterson, Vikings, Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks

FB:  Vonta Leach, Ravens.

TE:  Tony Gonzalez, Falcons

WR:  Calvin Johnson, Lions; Brandon Marshall, Bears

OT:  Duane Brown, Texans; Ryan Clady, Broncos

OG:  Jahri Evans, Saints; Mike Iupati, 49ers

C:  Max Unger, Seahawks

DEFENSE

DE:  *J.J. Watt, Texans, Cameron Wake, Dolphins.

DT:  Geno Atkins, Bengals; Vince Wilfork, Patriots

OLB:  Von Miller, Broncos; Aldon Smith, 49ers

ILB:  Patrick Willis, 49ers; NaVorro Bowman, 49ers

CB:  Richard Sherman, Seahawks; Charles Tillman, Bears

S:  Earl Thomas, Seahawks; Dashon Goldson, 49ers

P:  Andy Lee, 49ers

K:  Blair Walsh, Vikings

KR:  Jacoby Jones, Ravens

* unanimous selection

For a look at the AP All-Pro Second Team, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

AP All-Pro Second Team

OFFENSE

QB:  Aaron Rodgers, Packers

RB:  Alfred Morris, Redskins; Jamaal Charles, Chiefs

FB:  Jerome Felton, Vikings

TE:  Jason Witten, Cowboys

WR:  A.J. Green, Bengals; Andre Johnson, Texans

OT:  Joe Thomas, Browns; Joe Staley, 49ers

OG:  Marshal Yanda, Ravens; Logan Mankins, Patriots

C:  Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers

DEFENSE

DE:  Justin Smith, 49ers; Julius Peppers, Bears

DT:  Justin Smith, 49ers; Ndamukong Suh, Lions; Haloti Ngata, Ravens

OLB:  Chad Greenway, Vikings; Ahmad Brooks, 49ers; Clay Matthews, Packers; and DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys

ILB:  Daryl Washington, Cardinals; London Fletcher, Redskins

CB:  Champ Bailey, Broncos; Tim Jennings, Bears

S:  Eric Weddle, Chargers; Jairus Byrd, Bills

P:  Thomas Morstead, Saints

K:  Phil Dawson, Browns

KR:  David Wilson, Giants

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

2013 NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend Predictions

Here are our predictions for what we think will happen in the 2013 NFL Divisional Playoffs taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

2012 NFL Divisional PlayoffsAFC Divisional Games

Ian – Denver Broncos 24 Baltimore Ravens 14

Steve – Denver Broncos 35 Baltimore Ravens 20

Ian – New England Patriots 35 Houston Texans 10

Steve – New England Patriots 31 Houston Texans 24

NFC Divisional Games

Ian – San Francisco 49ers 35 Green Bay Packers 31

Steve – San Francisco 49ers 28 Green Bay Packers 24

Ian – Atlanta Falcons 34 Seattle Seahawks 31

Steve – Seattle Seahawks 31 Atlanta Falcons 30

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well. Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII.

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 1/12

UConn Huskies Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

It's game day for both the UConn Huskies men's and women's basketball teams.

The UConn men kick things off at 2 p.m. as they are in South Bend, IN to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The game will be broadcast locally in Connecticut on SNY and is also available online at WatchESPN. You can also listen on the IMG/UConn Radio Network.

The UConn women are in Milwaukee, WI to take on the Marquette Golden Eagles. Tip is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be broadcast locally in Connecticut on SNY. The game is also available online for a fee at SNYUConn.com. You can also listen on the IMG/UConn Radio Network.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Women's Basketball links

UConn’s Hartley in search of consistency [carl adamec -snyuconn.com]

Tuck Unable To Practice, Questionable For Game At Marquette [rich elliott – ct post]

All-American Hartley Struggling With Her Confidence [rich elliott – ct post]

Hartley looks to build on strong finish against Hoyas [jim fuller – new haven register]

Morgan Tuck misses practice again [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn-Marquette: A look back [jim fuller – new haven register]

Frustrated Hartley plagued by inconsistency [ct post]

UConn Women Enjoying Life Beyond The Three-Point Line [hartford courant]

Hartley keeps skipping a beat [journal inquirer]

Bria Hartley still working her way back [new haven register]

Geno on losing to Notre Dame [snyuconn.com]

UConn women play at Marquette today [the day]

UConn Men's Basketball links

UConn Men Arrive in South Bend; Notes, Quotes from The Lobby [dom amore – hartford courant]

UConn Out to End Another Irish Winning Streak … and Ryan Boatright Gets to Help Out This Time, Too [david borges – new haven register]

Amida Brimah Will Visit UConn This Weekend [david borges – new haven register]

UConn vs. Notre Dame: a backcourt battle [gavin keefe – the day]

Boat show will go on as scheduled [neill ostrout – journal inquirer]

Napier not on PG list [john silver – snyuconn.com]

UConn's Boatright hopes for happy homecoming [ct post]

UConn Has Two Tough Games Coming Up [hartford courant]

Finally, Boatright Gets Chance To Play Before His Family [hartford courant]

Boatright on course this time [journal inquirer]

Huskies hoping to snap another Notre Dame winning streak [new haven register]

Boatright is having fun once again [the day]

UConn Football links

South Carolina LB/DE commits to UConn [jim fuller – new haven register]

Other UConn related links

UConn AD Manuel denies interest in Catholic Seven [kevin duffy – ct post]

BIG EAST Presidents And Athletic Directors Meet [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Track. Nick Stenuf Named Men's Track & Field Assistant Coach [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Ice Hockey. Huskies Win Third Straight With 3-2 Victory at Robert Morris [uconnhuskies.com]

Baseball. Branford native and Texas Rangers rookie Mike Olt to be featured guest at GNHCC 'Hot Stove' event [new haven register]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

UConn Huskies Women’s Basketball Continues to Soar on SNY

Here's a press release from UConn and SNY about the latest ratings for the UConn Huskies women's basketball coverage on SNY:

NEW YORK – On the heels of UConn’s victory over Georgetown, SNY, the official television home of the UConn Huskies Women’s basketball program, today announced that the game averaged an 8.52 household rating – the network’s highest rating of the season.  This ratings benchmark also signifies the highest household rating in nearly two years for the program in the Hartford-New Haven DMA (UConn-Syracuse, 9.1 household rating on 2-28-11).  In addition, the game ranked as the #1 program in its time period – beating all competitive sports programming airing in the market – including ESPN’s NBA Double Header.  UConn-Georgetown on SNY also topped all network prime time series last night in the Hartford-New Haven DMA – except ABC’s Modern Family (9.05 household rating). 

UConn on SNYSNY’s pre-game and post- game coverage – featuring Kara Wolters and host Gary Apple – also posted strong household ratings in the Hartford-New Haven DMA for last night’s contest.  The network’s pre-game show delivered a 3.61 HH Rating (+56% over the 2.32 STD average household rating).  The Post-Game show presented by People’s United Bank delivered a 2.90 HH Rating (+5% over the 2.76 STD average household rating).   

In its inaugural season carrying the UConn Huskies Women’s basketball program, SNY has unveiled an unprecedented 340+ hours of exclusive programming – including comprehensive pre-game, half-time and post-game shows as well as its critically acclaimed Huskies All- Access Show.  As a result, SNY has helped the UConn Huskies Women’s basketball program grow significantly in popularity as the team’s television household ratings have increased +18% thru SNY’s first nine games in the Hartford-New Haven DMA.

On Saturday, January 12th, SNY will feature an UConn basketball doubleheader with the Men’s team playing Notre Dame at 2:00pm – followed by the UConn Women’s basketball team facing Marquette at 4:00pm.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 1/11

UConn Huskies Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Women's Basketball links

UConn dilemma: To 3 or not to 3? [carl adamec – sny.com]

This And That From UConn-Georgetown [john altavilla – hartford courant]

UConn Launching The “Money Ball” At Historic Pace [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Jefferson Flashes True Potential In Win Over Hoyas [rich elliott – ct post]

Stewart Returned To Form Against Hoyas [rich elliott – ct post]

Sad times for Tiffany Hayes [jim fuller – new haven register]

No. 3 UConn at Marquette on Saturday at 4 p.m. [uconnhuskies.com]

Jefferson Offers A Spark For UConn Women [hartford courant]

Notes from Wednesday's win over Georgetown [new haven register]

UConn Men's Basketball links

The Sun’s Kara Lawson Sheds Some Light On The Huskies … [dom amore – hartford courant]

Rick Pitino: Kevin Ollie 'About as Perfect a Choice for Head Coach as Any School Could Have' [david borges – new haven register]

Notre Dame's Brey: A great decision to hire Ollie [gavin keefe – the day]

Tough stretch [john silver – snyuconn.com]

Men's Basketball Travels To Nationally-Ranked Notre Dame [uconnhuskies.com]

UConn Football links

UConn Football Signing Day [uconnhuskies.com]

Williams to play in Corona Del Sol game tonight [jim fuller – new haven register]

Other UConn related links

M. Ice Hockey. Men's Hockey Looks To Continue Winning Ways at Robert Morris [uconnhuskies.com]

Huskies Ranked High For Learfield Sports Directors' And Capital One Cups [uconnhuskies.com]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Nike unveils 2013 Year of the Snake collection

In celebration of 2013 as the Year of the Snake on the Chinese lunar calendar, Nike introduces a Nike Basketball and Nike Sportswear collection of Chinese zodiac footwear inspired by Kobe Bryant and the Year of the Snake respectively. Ever since Nike unveiled its Year of the Horse collection in 2002, fans have eagerly anticipated new collections based on the Chinese lunar calendar concept. This year marks Nike's 12th such release and completes a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

The Year of the Snake collection includes the KOBE 8 SYSTEM, which draws inspiration from Bryant’s unparalleled on-court skills and his "Black Mamba" on-court alter ego. The Nike Sportswear designs feature signature colors of black, purple, red, and gold with snakeskin-inspired patterns. 2013 corresponds to two characters — 癸巳 ("Gui Si") — in the Chinese sexagenary cycle (a cycle of sixty terms used for recording days or years). The Chinese seal pattern composed of a snake and the two characters 癸巳 ("Gui Si") incorporates the serpentine shape into an embroidered seal making this collection particularly unique.

To continue reading, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 CMFT

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 CMFT

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Nike Air Force 1, Nike releases the Nike Air Force 1 CMFT, a new member of the Family of Force and a top pick for the Year of the Snake. The Nike Air Force 1 CMFT boasts the exact iconic profile of the original Nike Air Force 1 but is enhanced using modern innovations. By incorporating a slip-in Lunarlon cushioning midsole and Nike Air unit in the heel, the Nike Air Force 1 CMFT is the ultimate in functionality and comfort. The Year of the Snake version of the Nike Air Force 1 CMFT is mainly red, an auspicious color in China, and features gold and red stitches on the Nike Swoosh, purple lining and outsole, and red snake print leather. The product exudes quality and style. Details including a snake eye deubré and a tongue made of softer breathable material with a seal pattern of the two characters “癸巳” fit the Year of the Snake motif.

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HI CMFT

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HI CMFT

The Nike Air Force 1 high-top silhouette has been one of the most iconic basketball sneakers of the last 30 years — so the Year of the Snake collection wouldn't be complete without one. The sleek, seductive shoe is mostly black with the toe and sides made of python print leather. The classic ankle strap design provides extra support around the ankles and presents a visual consistency with previous Nike AF1 collections. The seal pattern of the two characters “癸巳” on the heel echoes the Chinese motif. The Nike Swoosh in red and purple snake print is perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the shoe while a concealed Lunarlon drop-in midsole offers the ultimate in high performance comfort.

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 FOAMPOSITE

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 FOAMPOSITE

The Nike FOAMPOSITE’s one-piece upper represents the highest achievement in shoemaking because its production requires a metal casting mold. In 2011, Nike first applied FOAMPOSITE technology using a metal casting mold to form the classic Nike Air Force 1 upper resulting in yet another fresh interpretation. For the Year of the Snake, the 2013 Nike Air Force 1 FOAMPOSITE is mainly black with a snake print to echo the Black Mamba motif. The polish gives it a premium look. The Nike Air heel significantly enhances cushioning.

NIKE ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4

NIKE ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4

Released in 2004, NIKE ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4 combines timeless design and innovative technology. Nike Zoom Air provides impact protection, reduces weight significantly, and provides comfort with elastic inner soles. The upper features classic elements such as an ankle strap, a Nike Swoosh on the side and the Huarache signature hollow-out design at the ankle. It has a transitional role in the evolution of modern basketball shoes. The 2013 model uses red snake print leather and gold stitches at the toe and heel as symbols of good luck for the Chinese New Year. The purple-lined Nike Swoosh and the seal pattern of the characters “癸巳(Gui Si)” on the tongue highlight the Chinese zodiac sign.

KOBE 8 SYSTEM

KOBE 8 SYSTEM

The KOBE 8 SYSTEM incorporates innovative Nike Engineered Mesh for the first time in a basketball shoe to offer a dynamic and ultra-lightweight fit. Additionally, the synthetic overlays on the toe and lateral quarter panel provide support for even the toughest games. The full-length Lunarlon midsole delivers lightweight, low profile cushioning and stability. A snake graphic shoe tongue provides a close fit and comfort. In connection with the victories of the Purple and Gold Dynasty led by Kobe, the KOBE 8 SYSTEM Year of the Snake special edition is inspired by the Chinese kung-fu representing Kobe’s bold, aggressive style on the court. The four icons on the outsole stand for Kobe’s speed, precision, vision and versatility. The color red symbolizes danger and the destructive power of Kobe’s speed. The snakeskin pattern on the shoe is a perfect interpretation of Kobe’s on-court alter ego, the Black Mamba.

NIKE KOBE 8 RED

NIKE KOBE 8 RED

NIKE KOBE 8 RED is the off-court version of the KOBE 8 SYSTEM. The Year of the Snake model is made of red suede for the Chinese New Year. The one-piece design uses Vac-Tech and laser-etching technologies, which gives the shoe a clean-cut look that is consistent with previous Kobe collections. The etchings on the outsole combine timeless herringbone and snake scale patterns.

NIKE KOBE 8 BLACK

KOBE 8 BLACK

The NIKE KOBE 8 BLACK in snake print is exclusively designed for the Year of the Snake. It is made of black leather in snake print to echo Kobe’s Black Mamba nickname and symbolizes his aggressiveness on the court.

NIKE DESTROYER JACKET

NIKE DESTROYER JACKET

The casual, stylish Nike Destroyer Jacket is a symbol of personal glory. Nike has added some popular elements to the leather sleeve baseball jacket inspired by Kobe's personal style. Snake scale patterns are etched on the classic leather sleeves. The stitch free zipper is simple and elegant with the words “YEAR OF THE BLACK MAMBA” embroidered on the wind-proof strip. A special lining material keeps the body warm. The rowan-knit collar and cuff enhances comfort. On the back of the jacket is the Chinese character “智”, which means wisdom. On the right lapel are Chinese characters representing the Year of the Snake such as “癸巳 (Gui Si)” and “天龙地蟒 (Tian Long Di Mang).” It is a perfect mesh of Kobe Bryant’s Black Mamba style and Nike’s iconic jacket.

Nike’s Year of the Snake sportswear collection also includes men’s and women’s hoodies and T-shirts featuring Kobe’s Black Mamba personal logo and the Chinese character “智 (Zhi)”. The Year of the Snake professional basketball collection also includes Kobe’s training jerseys, jackets, sweatshirts and T-shirts.

Year of the Snake Gallery

Chinese Look Book PDF

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credits: nike