Springing Forward With The New USC Trojans - By Nick Hamilton

 On a hazy yet sunny day in Los Angeles, football has once again returned to the L.A. Coliseum in the form of the USC Trojans. Coach Lane Kiffin coming a very solid recruiting class, and a focused and determined Matt Barkley who has made it clear he has unfinished business to handle this season.

With several players recovering from injury such as star wide receiver Robert Woods, Barkley seemed frustrated according to reports, however understandable being the great competitor he is, not having all of his pieces in place. Also waiting on several big time high school recruits to join the force such as Top 5 recruits Washington's Zack Banner, and former Carson High Colt wide receiver Darius Rodgers to name a few.

With all that being said, it was time to showcase to the Los Angeles fans and to the nation that this the year for USC to dominate strong and in a big way.

As they took the field before a crowd of over 15,000 fans, Barkley came out sharp connecting on his first few passes with his other favorite target sophomore Marques Lee. Successful runs by USC tailback Curtis McNeal was made thanks to swift hand offs by Barkley.  McNeal will more than likely carry a majority of the running load this coming season thanks to a torn knee ligament two weeks ago suffered by tailback Tre Madden, a big blow for this team lacking depth at the position.
Rising through the ranks was tailback D.J. Morgan, who scored on a 47-yard run, showed an improved burst throughout the spring along with avoiding fumbling.

The defense looked very impressive, they are much improved from last season, especially at the corner back position. As hard as it was to restrain from hitting, T.J. McDonald seems to now be the leader and continues to anchor that defense. Wherever McDonald goes, so does that defense, designed by guru Monty Kiffin.

Barkley was upbeat on his analysis of Spring football thus far "I thought it was good way to finish spring ball and send us off on a good note into summer."

Coach Kiffin had the tall task of deciding the who Barkley's back up would be, either early enrolled Max Wittek or Cody Kessler who were both good, yet at times erratic on a windy Saturday, have impressed Kiffin alot this spring.

The USC Trojans have been ranked by many outlets in the top 5 to win the BCS championship this year, but if you know Lane Kiffin and Matt Barkley, they'll stay balanced, focused , and continue to improve and dominate one game at a time in the Pac-12.

New Bash Bros. Help Dodgers Avoid Sweep - By Nick Hamilton

 The Los Angeles Dodgers looked to avoid a sweep by the Brewers at Miller Park, something had to change to prevent them from not picking up a road victory.
Dodgers pitcher Aaron Harang who pitched a record setting game at Dodger Stadium last week, answered the call to throw against former Dodger and current Brewers pitcher Randy Wolf.

In the opening inning both Wolf and Harang looked sharp for their impressive clubs, and one knew that this would be another close yet dramatic game as this series has proven to be by the previous two games.
Thanks to a wild pitch by Wolf that hit batter Jerry Hairston Jr, and walked James Loney to load the bases with Hairston and Andre Either respectively at second and third, Wolf had to figure his way out of a jam. After Matt Treanor hit a brilliant sacrifice fly allowing Either to score, and the Dodgers took the early lead 1-0.

  Harang got into a bit of trouble as well, with George Kottaras and Alex Gonzalez already on base in scoring position Travis Ishikawa doubled to right center scoring Kottaras.
To further his own cause, pitcher Randy Wolf hit a sacrifice fly to right allowing Gonzales to score and the Brewers took the lead.

Wolf made a huge mistake by letting Kemp single to get on base, then allowed Juan Rivera to to single to right causing the tying run in M Ellis to score. The Dodgers weren't done as a big time slugger Either hit a good single to right, Matt Kemp scores to take the lead. Wolf gets out of the inning by a pop up by Loney.

Kemp was far from done, after the damage he caused earlier against Wolf, in the top of the fifth it only got worse for the Brewers as he hit a big home run deep to right field his seventh on the year to give the Dodgers some added run support. Harang continued to pitch well, and the Dodger defense held up beautifully, until the sixth inning with Gonzalez and A Ramirez on base, Ishikawa came back to haunt Harang, hitting a single to deep right, scoring Ramirez.

With the Dodgers only leading by one run in the eighth inning, Hairston Jr. made a key defensive play at third base with a runner on third and two outs. Hairston dove to grab a sharp ground ball by Gonzalez then made a long throw to first base from an awkward angle to get the out and end the inning.

After pitching strong innings, reliever Jamey Wright came in to pitch for Harang, and the bullpen held up along with the spectacular defense of the Dodgers to hold on for the win. Reliever Javy Guerra picks up his sixth save on the season as the Dodgers get a much needed win and go to 10-3 on the season.

NL MVP Ryan Braun was a total 0-11 in this three game series, and struck his on his two final at bats at Thursday's game.
 
Brewers' Wolf (now 0-2) went six innings, giving up four runs and seven hits with a walk, a strikeout, while Dodgers' Harang (now 1-1) went six innings, gave up three runs and eight hits with a walk and four strikeouts.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly talks about his team's key win "Its a fairly significant win. Really, we came in and could have got swept but we could have swept them just as easily."
On how concern his MVP Ryan Braun didn't show up in this series, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke stressed that "Braunie, we'll get him going real soon. He's been playing a bit under the weather."

On his performance thus far beyond this series, a very humbled Matt Kemp said "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to be doing, driving in runs, trying to help my team win,"

Now the Dodgers head down to Houston for a weekend series with the Astros, the Dodgers send Ted Lilly to mound to battle J.A. Happ on Friday.

Championship Rings & Galaxy Conquer DC United

CARSON, CA - After the storm the sun shines brightly, which describes not just the Los Angeles weather, but also the Los Angeles Galaxy's season thus far.
On a sunny, yet windy day at Home Depot Center would prove to be historic, especially when the Galaxy players and head coach Bruce Arena received their MLS Championship rings. Which ironically was given to them in front of their long time DC United rivals.

Sporting a two game losing streak, the Galaxy needed a win, especially on championship ring Sunday.

The Galaxy almost allowed a repeat of their previous games to happen, when DC United's Dewayne De Rosario blasted a shot at the goal, but thanks to some timely wind and defense, the goal attempt flew pass goalie Josh Saunders' net. That seemed to be the wake up call that the Galaxy needed, moments later Robbie Keane drove into the box for a potential score, yet was upset when he wasn't awarded a penalty kick by referee Toledo. After many attempts by Galaxy's David Beckham, Robbie Keane, DC United's Joe Willis was put to the test at goal.

Thanks to relentless efforts of Keane, who would not be denied as he was set up properly by teammate Mike Magee, that allowed Keane to score just before halftime 1-0 in the 44th minute of play.

In the second half the Galaxy turned up the intensity and pressured the United's net, and once Keane in the 69th minute scored an impressive goal thanks to the great assist by Landon Donovan. DC United goalie Joe Willis could not stop the goal that was fired from about 20 yards out on that play.

Denying DC United's request to score, thanks to the superb defense by Galaxy goalie Saunders, who just tipped away a shot attempt by DC United's Emiliano Dudar.

After not starting due to fatigue, Edson Buddle entered the game, which was a nightmare for DC United who had no one who could truly defend Buddle especially in potential breakaway situations.

Around the 85th minute, the Galaxy closed the deal, as Beckham assisted Sarvas with scoring a goal, which gave the Galaxy a 3-0 lead. Less than a minute later, as somehow the Galaxy forgot to get back on defense, DC United's Nick DeLeon quickly responded with a goal helping his team avoid the shutout.
That score did not make head coach Bruce Arena very happy. However, the Galaxy defeated rival DC United 3-1.

After a grueling schedule, the Galaxy can enjoy this victory, rest up and practice until March 31st when they take on the New England Revolution at Home Depot Center.

Robbie Keane spoke about the victory on championship ring day "we just played, and took alot of chances. We hadn't done that, we just took chances, and we got the victory."

Also at halftime AEG CEO Tim Lieweke spoke about team goals, how he wants them to win multiple champions. He believes in this team, yet he is upset with how the MLS has scheduled his teams games the last two weeks.

A great victory mentality and physically for the L.A. Galaxy, and their almost 20,000 fans in attendance, as they move on through the season.

Arizona Too Wild For Bruins Down The Stretch

LOS ANGELES - After defeating USC, the UCLA Bruins knew the had a tall task at hand by trying to defeat the Arizona Wildcats. UCLA would have to play a much game than against their previous opponent to advance to the semi-finals of the Pac-12 championship. Led by Kyle Fogg, the Wildcats knew in order to get to the semi-finals and the championship, UCLA would not be a push over, and they had to bring their A game.

Arizona was focused and ready leading most of the entire first half, leading by as much as 10 points over UCLA thanks to a 14-5 run by Kyle Fogg and Solomon Hill. It also got physical as Bruins guard Lazeric Jones took a nasty shot to the nose, where he left the court to seek medical attention. When he returned, he hit a big 3 pointer that capped off a 12-8 run, which kept UCLA within in striking distance going into halftime down 29-23. In the half, both teams had a combined turnover

Arizona turned up the heat in the second half, as Kyle Fogg hit a 3 pointer than increased the lead to nine points. UCLA decided they had enough, led by Jerime Anderson led a 15-8 run with seven crucial point, then Tyler Lamb stole the ball for a layup that gave UCLA their first led of the game at 46-45, with 10 minutes left in the game. The two teams traded baskets as heavyweight boxer traded blows, until Anderson hit a huge 3 pointer to tie the game with Arizona at 51.

Arizona began to pull away, playing solid defense against UCLA, getting Josh Smith to foul out in just nine minutes of play only scoring seven points. The defense continued as Fogg made a huge block on Lazeric Jones, and also caused Travis Ware to pick up his fourth foul which proved to be very costly for UCLA.

Later on Travis Wear ended up picking up his fifth foul & fouled out for the first time this season.

Arizona proved to be too much for the UCLA Bruins as they fall 66-58.

Arizona's Solomon Hill led all scorers with 25 points, Kyle Fogg contributed with 13 points, as the Wildcats shot 24-27 from the free throw line.

UCLA's Lazeric Jones finished with 17 points, Jerime Anderson who scored 14 points, along with Travis Wear who scored 10 points.

This loss to Arizona snapped the Bruins three game winning streak, and will not allow them to participate in the NCAA Tournament this year. The Bruins have also stated they will not be apart of the NIT Tournament. This loss doesn't give coach Ben Howland much room to breathe, and if he doesn't make it to the Final Four next year with the big recruiting class he has coming in, UCLA will be searching for a new coach in 2013.

Lazeric Jones talks about the disappointing loss "It hurts and I'm sad knowing that we're done, so soon. It's not the way we wanted it to be."

Next up for Arizona, the hungry Beavers of Oregon State on Friday.

Huskies Get Biten By Beavers in Pac-12 Tourny

LOS ANGELES - The Washington Huskies came into the Pac-12 Tournament as the champions thanks to a loss by California. It was understood they still had something to prove not only to the conference, but to the NCAA Tournament committee as well. The Huskies would face a hungry, on fire Oregon State Beavers team who refused to just roll over, lay down, and be intimidated.

Coach Craig Robinson would now have a reason for his brother-in-law President Barack Obama, to legitimately place his team in a NCAA tournament bracket this year.

The first half started off slow and somewhat sloppy by both team, it seem to take awhile before the Huskies and Beaver got into rhythm and really play at a high level. The Beavers began to pull away as the lead going into halftime 48-33. A stunned and shocked Washington had their work cut out for them in the second half if they wanted to advance and have an opportunity to win the Pac-12 Tournament.

Second half the Huskies turned a 15 pointed deficit into a 8 point lead over the Beavers, thanks to a 22-3 run that was sparked by the excellent and precise play of Washington's Tony Wroten who had an amazing 29 points, along with C.J. Wilcox who dropped 16 points, and Terrance Ross scored 15 points.

However Beavers' Jared Cunningham would not be denied scoring 18 points despite blowing free throws down the stretch, yet was able to convert two key free throws when it was needed. The Huskies had an opportunity to come back, but could not covert crucial free throws within the last 2 1/2 minutes of the game.

With about 31 seconds to go, Cunningham saw an opportunity to score and took advantage of it. Again the Huskies had an opportunity to win, but free throws became their achilles heel, which cost them the game and the opportunity to play for the championship.
Huskies fall in a close contest 86-84 to the Beavers.

One of the most exciting games of the Tournament, Hollywood couldn't have written a better script.

After the game Beavers Coach Robinson talked about the fight of the team, "I know that I could not be more proud of a team, and have not been prouder of a team, than I am of this team. We have fought hard and lost our share of games by five points and under, and it's not due to these guys' lack of hard work."

"The stretch at the ending was definitely nail-biting" said Jared Cunningham who described the atmosphere of the game.

Washington coach Lorenzo Romar was asked about missing the free throws near the end of the game "We were trying to make the first, obviously, and miss the second one. Our guy knew what to do. And in Terrence's zeal to get it, he shot a little too hard there."

*The Huskies shot a terrible 9-21 from the field.

Oregon State would move on to face Arizona on Friday night, Washington will have to sit and wait for selection Sunday to see where they will be seeded to play in the NCAA Tournament.

*In attendance to watch Oregon State, former NBA stars Gary Peyton "The Glove" & the Ironman, multi champion and former Laker A.C. Green.

Stanford Runs Sun Devils Out Of Staples Center

LOS ANGELES - The Stanford Cardinal had alot of momentum coming into the tournament after beating their rival Cal Golden Bears, led by superstar Chasson Randle. The Cardinal came to the Pac-12 Tournament to make a serious impact. The Arizona State Sun Devils, knew it was win or go home, so now was the time to shine. Business was definitely about to pick up big time.

It was all Stanford as Randle led the charge with an impressive 18-4 run closer to halftime scoring 27 points, breaking the previous record in a half last year by Washington State's Klay Thompson. Randle also hit five 3 pointers as the Cardinal went into halftime up 50-30 over Arizona State who had no answer for Randle.

Second half the Cardinal continued where they left off only this time the balance attack of Stanford continued to dominate the Sun Devils. Aaron Bright led the second half charge with 11 points, allowing Randle to finish with 30 points, as Stanford routes Arizona State 85-65.

Sun Devils' Chanse Creekmur and Jordan Bachynski scored 11 points each, while the team as a whole committed 14 total tunrovers. This is the second losing season under head coach Herb Sendek, who couldn't find an answer on why his team just bring any intensity or effort against Stanford.

Stanford moves on for a rematch against their rival Cal Golden Bears on Thursday, who just five days earlier cost Cal a shot at winning the Pac-12 title.

Trojans Fight Was Not Enough To Get Past Bruins in Tourny

LOS ANGELES - Inside the bright light of Staples Center the Pac 12 Tournament had descended upon us once again, as it became rivalry day between USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins. The 12th seeded Trojans had much to prove not only to themselves, but to the rest of the conference.

In the first half both the Trojans and the Bruins started out in a back and forth battle, to many surprise, the Trojans fought to stay in the game in the first half. The defense came alive and the Bruins had no answer. With absence of Bruins center Josh Smith who was suspended for one half due to violation of team rules.
The Bruins had to settle for outside shooting, and excellent ball movement lead by guard Lazeric Jones.

USC guard Maurice Jones was held scoreless in the first half, which didnt stop freshman Byron Wesley from being aggressive to shoot and create away from the basket. By halftime UCLA held on a slim 22-21 over USC.

Second half proved to be a totally different for the Bruins, as they came out clicking on all cylinders, Josh Smith entered the game picking up 3 quick fouls, but not before finishing with 5 points, which the Trojans had no answer for him. Bruins cruise to a 55-40 victory thanks to the solid play of Lazeric Jones who finished with 15 points along with Travis Wear who finished with 12 points.

USC's Byron Wesley finished with 13 solid points, Maurice Jones finished with 7 points, 6 assist.

To sum up the game against UCLA whom they have played three times USC coach Kevin O'Neil honestly stated "they [UCLA] are bigger than us in warm ups ok. I think they have the best front line in the entire country. I thought our team executed well especially in the first half, just didn't finish well."

UCLA moves on to play Arizona on Thursday in the Pac-12 Tournament.

For USC, Kevin O'Neil remained hopeful for next season, as he will look to his new recruits, to build up a great program to compete with the rest of the conference. O'Neil also has the support of AD Pat Hayden, so look for O'Neil to grace the sidelines of Galen Center next season.

At Spring Training w/ Colorado Rockies Pitcher JEREMY GUTHRIE