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By GREG BEACHAM PASADENA, Calif. — The Rose Bowl is the next stop on No. 1 Oregon’s national championship quest. And Ohio State or Tennessee will be the Ducks’ opponent in the 111th edition of the Granddaddy of Them All. Oregon (13-0) received the top seed in the first 12-team College Football Playoff on Dec. 8, sending the Ducks to celebrate the new year in Pasadena for the ninth time in school history as they continue to fight for their first national championship. But first, the eighth-seeded Buckeyes (10-2) and the ninth-seeded Volunteers (10-2) will meet in Columbus on Dec. 21, to determine Oregon’s opponent in the Rose Bowl Game, which is also a playoff quarterfinal. The first-round matchup pits a pair of college football powerhouses with little history together. The Volunteers beat the Buckeyes, 20-14, in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 1996, in the schools’ only previous meeting. Ohio State got home-field advantage despite missing out on a Big Ten title game date with Oregon after a humiliating 13-10 loss at home to Michigan last month. The Buckeyes also lost a 32-31 thriller to the Ducks in Eugene in October, but they might still get that rematch in California. Oregon is clearly the class of this jumbled college football season, finishing as the only undefeated team in the FBS and the No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 after holding off Penn State 45-37 to win its first Big Ten championship. The Ducks’ road to a title looks fairly daunting with two elite opponents vying for their quarterfinal shot, and social media filled up with fans and commentators bemoaning the relative difficulty of Oregon’s path. The rough road doesn’t bother Oregon coach Dan Lanning, however. “What an opportunity, right?” Lanning said on ESPN. “We focus on the things that you can control, and winning a national championship isn’t supposed to be easy. If our path is a little bit tougher, kudos to us if we go through it and take care of business.” For decades, the Rose Bowl cherished its position as a near-annual meeting of teams from the Big Ten and the West Coast conference most recently known as the Pac-12. The breakup of the Pac-12 and the permanent change in the Rose Bowl’s postseason position happened simultaneously over the past year, throwing the bowl’s future into flux. But Oregon’s familiar presence in Pasadena next month will smooth that change significantly — and if the Ducks’ opponent is Ohio State, the traditionalists will still get exactly what they crave out of this game anyway. Oregon and Ohio State met in the Rose Bowl in 1958 and again on Jan. 1, 2010, with Terrelle Pryor leading the Buckeyes to a 26-17 victory. Oregon is 4-4 in its previous trips to the Rose Bowl, and the modern Ducks have spent their holiday in Pasadena four times since 2010. They’ve won in their past three appearances in the Granddaddy, most recently beating Wisconsin 28-27 in Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s final game for his hometown school in 2020. Ohio State has made 16 previous appearances in the Rose Bowl, third-most in the game’s history behind USC (34) and Michigan (21). The Buckeyes have won their last four games in Pasadena, most recently beating Washington in 2019 and Utah in 2022. A trip to Pasadena would be a treat for Tennessee’s vast fan base. The Vols made two trips to the Rose Bowl during the 1940s, but they haven’t been back there since 1945. Oregon and Tennessee have faced each other twice, with the Ducks winning both matchups in 2010 and in 2013. What: CFP quarterfinal When: 8 p.m., Dec. 21 Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus Records: Tennessee 10-2, Ohio State 10-2 For the record: Winner advances to face Oregon in the Rose BowlCANTON, Ohio — Coldwater’s 31-7 win Saturday in the OHSAA Division VI football state championship even took its coach by surprise. “Obviously a surprise,” coach Chip Otten said, “surprise way we won. We were really concerned about their physical stoutness, but we played Clinton-Massie, a very similar style.” The Cavaliers (15-1) won their eighth state championship in program history and first since 2020 by taking control in the second and third quarters vs. Kirtland (15-1), the defending Division VI state champions. They build on a 7-0 lead after a roughing the punter penalty kept a second-quarter drive alive, leading to a defensive pass interference that further advanced the football and allowed Coldwater to score again. Another touchdown pass between quarterback Baylen Blockberger and Mason Welsch followed before halftime, pushing Coldwater’s lead to 21-0. It grew to 31-0 at the end of the third quarter, putting the Hornets on the wrong end of a running clock for the first time since their 2017 state-title loss to Maria Stein Marion Local. Recommended high school sports stories Coldwater denies Kirtland, 31-7, in OHSAA Division VI football state championship Dec. 7, 2024, 1:19p.m. Kirtland vs. Coldwater Rewind: Relive OHSAA Division VI football state final as it happened Dec. 7, 2024, 9:30a.m. Walsh Jesuit Ironman 2024: How Northeast Ohio wrestlers fared on Day 1 Dec. 6, 2024, 10:38p.m. They cut the deficit back under 30 in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard touchdown run by junior quarterback Jake LaVerde, who rushed for a team-high 80 yards. Miles Pottkotter paced Coldwater with 127 yards and the Cavaliers’ first score on 23 carries. Blockberger added 133 yards and two TD tosses to Welsch on 8 of 12 attempts. See how the game unfolded in the video above and hear from Otten, Kirtland coach Tiger LaVerde and Blockberger. Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on X ( @mgoul ), Threads ( @mgoul ) or email ( mgoul@cleveland.com ).
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The Transportation Security Administration has some reminders for those heading to airports during the holidays. “People seem to forget some of the more common and routine steps that they need to take when packing for a flight or when they are going through a checkpoint, perhaps because they’re focused on being at their destination and not focusing on what needs to happen before getting there,” said TSA officer Christopher Kirchein of John F. Kennedy International Airport. “Travelers sometimes ignore the advice that we give them,” said TeaNeisha Barker, a TSA uniformed adviser. “We are providing guidance so that they get through the checkpoint as simply and conveniently as possible. Not every airport has the same technology, so listen to the guidance we are offering.” “Passengers forget that knives and other weapons are not allowed through our checkpoints. It’s shocking to see so many people with knives,” said TSA officer Aisha Hicks of Philadelphia International Airport. “Weapons of any kind are prohibited through a TSA checkpoint.” TSA officers shared this list of the common things that travelers forget and should remember when coming to a security checkpoint. Ten things that travelers need to remember when preparing to go through the security screening process: • Remember that you cannot bring bottles of water, energy drinks, juice, coffee, soda or any filled insulated reusable container through a security checkpoint. However, they can finish their beverage and bring the empty bottle or container with them. • Remember to bring your ID to the checkpoint. • Remember when TSA officers remind you to remove everything from your pockets that it does not only mean metallic items such as keys and mobile phones, but it means everything, including non-metallic items such as tissues, lip balm, breath mints, etc. • Remember that you cannot bring a firearm through a checkpoint. Instead, pack your unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case and declare it at your airline check-in counter and the airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the plane where nobody has access to it. • Remember that you need to remove your shoes when getting screened and then end up barefoot on the floor. It’s probably a good idea to wear socks. • Remember that children 12 and under are allowed to travel through a TSA PreCheck screening lane with a parent who has TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass. In addition, don’t forget that children up to the age of 18 can also come into the TSA PreCheck lane with their parent if they are on the same airline reservation as their parent. • Remember that passengers that appear 12 and under or 75 and older do not need to remove their shoes and light jacket. • Remember, if you are putting a lock on your luggage, make sure it is a TSA compatible lock so that if TSA officers need to open your luggage, they can unlock it and relock it. If the lock is not TSA compliant, TSA officers who need to open your luggage will cut off the lock, rendering it useless. • Remember that you can bring medications through a security checkpoint, even liquid medication. Just let the TSA officer know that you have liquid medication with you so it can be screened separately. • Remember to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license sooner rather than later because REAL ID goes into effect on May 7.WAG Coleen Rooney is poised to sign a £1million TV deal after leaving the I’m A Celebrity jungle. McFly pop star Danny Jones is also being courted by ITV bosses for big new shows, insiders have revealed. The pair went head-to-head in tonight's finale after the Rev Richard Coles finished third. But before the show, insiders said if Coleen lost out on being crowned Jungle Queen, she was still on course to become one of the show’s most successful celebs. A source said: “She is poised to sign a huge new TV deal, worth around £1million.” It came as her mum, Colette, revealed her daughter asked her, “Have I been boring?” as they hugged during a camp visit this week with the Wag’s sons, Kit, eight, and Cass, six. Colette said: “It broke my heart hearing that, but I said, ‘No, you’ve been yourself — and that’s all that matters’.” Coleen also got emotional after making the final three, saying: “It’s very rare I’m proud of myself, so it means a lot. It’s very rare that I put myself first. So, yeah, these are happy tears.” On her upcoming megabucks offers, a source told The Sun: “Coleen’s return to public life following the Wagatha Christie trial was carefully orchestrated — and it has more than paid off. “When she was in the jungle, she was being touted as ITV’s next Holly Willoughby and the offers have already started flooding in. “But there is one deal on the table that has really piqued her team’s interest. “Given Coleen’s love of the Loose Women show too, the team want her secured on their guest roster, with a view to finding something more permanent for her. “It isn’t just TV deals — lifestyle and nutritional brands have all been sending lucrative contracts her way, as well as high street retailers. They all want a piece of Coleen. The sky’s the limit.” The mum of four, 38, will be reunited with hubby Wayne — the former England and Man United striker — this week when she flies back to the UK. He is now manager of Plymouth Argyle. Insiders said her family would be throwing a huge party to welcome her home. But while Coleen wades through the offers, those close to the her said she would not be rushing into making decisions and would wait until the New Year before deciding what she wants to do next. A source added: “Nothing will be agreed with any interested parties until Coleen sits down with her management team. “Her priority when she comes out the jungle will be spending time with family but these conversations will be had when the time is right.” Throughout I’m A Celeb, ITV has been heavily plugging her Real Wagatha Story documentary in ad breaks and at the end of the show, as part of a plan by execs to get her on board. This year, she won a libel battle with fellow Wag Rebekah Vardy , who she accused of leaking stories about her. Coleen had a tearful reunion with Kit and Cass, plus parents Tony and Colette as she crossed the jungle bridge. A source added: “Coleen is a mum first and foremost. Her children mean everything to her. “Doing the jungle was the first proper solo venture she has done in a long time so her next move will be chosen very carefully. “She will only take the deal that is right for her and her family.” After entering the jungle as the show’s highest-paid contestant ever — with a deal worth around £1.5million — Coleen won the hearts of the nation by showing how down-to-earth she is and by getting stuck into grim Bushtucker Trials. Doing the jungle was the first proper solo venture she has done in a long time so her next move will be chosen very carefully Meanwhile, ITV bosses are keen to secure McFly’s Danny long-term as one of the channel’s main players, alongside favourites including Joel Dommett and Bradley Walsh. The singer and guitarist, 38, had an emotional reunion with his wife Georgia and their six-year-old son Cooper as he crossed the famous bridge. He is already a judge on The Voice UK, alongside his bandmate Tom Fletcher, but insiders said telly bosses are keen to sign him up for more shows. A source said: “Danny is the embodiment of everything ITV loves. He’s fun, family-friendly and incredibly popular. Watching how popular he was on I’m A Celeb made him a key target for other shows they have coming up. “Danny’s a brilliant musician, but he is also great on telly. ITV bosses want to see if they can sign him on for another series of The Voice UK and there are other shows they think he could be perfect on.” Danny won over I’m A Celeb viewers early on as he opened up on his struggles with mental health . During the first week, he broke down in tears as he revealed he started having therapy for anxiety aged 19 after suffering a panic attack during a live TV interview. He also spoke about his estrangement from his dad Alan, 72, who he has not seen for 18 years after he left his mum, Kathy. Danny said: “He doesn’t speak to me. I just don’t think I’ve really . . . healed with it, maybe. I had a good relationship with my dad. He was my best mate until he left.” All of this year’s I’m A Celebrity stars joined the finalists for a wrap party at the JW Marriott hotel on the Gold Coast. It came a day after ex-Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse was evicted from camp, leaving just three contestants to battle it out. Only pop star Tulisa Contostavlos was absent, after flying home to the UK amid struggles with her mental health. Yesterday, she shared photos online and said: “Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you all.” i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."The Transportation Security Administration has some reminders for those heading to airports during the holidays. “People seem to forget some of the more common and routine steps that they need to take when packing for a flight or when they are going through a checkpoint, perhaps because they’re focused on being at their destination and not focusing on what needs to happen before getting there,” said TSA officer Christopher Kirchein of John F. Kennedy International Airport. “Travelers sometimes ignore the advice that we give them,” said TeaNeisha Barker, a TSA uniformed adviser. “We are providing guidance so that they get through the checkpoint as simply and conveniently as possible. Not every airport has the same technology, so listen to the guidance we are offering.” “Passengers forget that knives and other weapons are not allowed through our checkpoints. It’s shocking to see so many people with knives,” said TSA officer Aisha Hicks of Philadelphia International Airport. “Weapons of any kind are prohibited through a TSA checkpoint.” TSA officers shared this list of the common things that travelers forget and should remember when coming to a security checkpoint. Ten things that travelers need to remember when preparing to go through the security screening process: • Remember that you cannot bring bottles of water, energy drinks, juice, coffee, soda or any filled insulated reusable container through a security checkpoint. However, they can finish their beverage and bring the empty bottle or container with them. • Remember to bring your ID to the checkpoint. • Remember when TSA officers remind you to remove everything from your pockets that it does not only mean metallic items such as keys and mobile phones, but it means everything, including non-metallic items such as tissues, lip balm, breath mints, etc. • Remember that you cannot bring a firearm through a checkpoint. Instead, pack your unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case and declare it at your airline check-in counter and the airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the plane where nobody has access to it. • Remember that you need to remove your shoes when getting screened and then end up barefoot on the floor. It’s probably a good idea to wear socks. • Remember that children 12 and under are allowed to travel through a TSA PreCheck screening lane with a parent who has TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass. In addition, don’t forget that children up to the age of 18 can also come into the TSA PreCheck lane with their parent if they are on the same airline reservation as their parent. • Remember that passengers that appear 12 and under or 75 and older do not need to remove their shoes and light jacket. • Remember, if you are putting a lock on your luggage, make sure it is a TSA compatible lock so that if TSA officers need to open your luggage, they can unlock it and relock it. If the lock is not TSA compliant, TSA officers who need to open your luggage will cut off the lock, rendering it useless. • Remember that you can bring medications through a security checkpoint, even liquid medication. Just let the TSA officer know that you have liquid medication with you so it can be screened separately. • Remember to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license sooner rather than later because REAL ID goes into effect on May 7.
Qatar PM sees 'momentum' on Gaza talks after US election
Ryan Crookham gets Lehigh’s only win against No. 1 Penn StateLocal organizations receive state arts grants
The Detroit Lions beat the Green Bay Packers in one of the best games of the year. The Lions were able to score 34 points despite their run game struggling. Jared Goff had a very efficient game and made big plays when needed and the Packers offense struggled in the first half but got going in the second half to put up 31 points. Jordan Love didn’t turn the ball over but failed to find his top receiver, Jayden Reed. There are many winners from this huge win and a couple of losers. Winners Tim Patrick Tim Patrick was Goff’s go-to guy this week and had his best game as a Lion. He finished with 6 catches for 43 yards and 2 touchdowns, playing a large part in the Detroit Lions victory. Patrick has been an excellent signing for Detroit and has stepped into the wide receiver No. 3 role well not only as a pass catcher but also as a blocking receiver. He has been a huge part of the success of the offense so far, and if Detroit wants to win a Super Bowl, he will need to continue contributing. Terrion Arnold Arnold has been great the last few games and this week was no exception. He held the Packers receivers to just 2 catches for 9 yards. After starting the season rough, Arnold has been great over the past few games, looking like he can be a true lockdown corner in the NFL. He has been a huge upgrade to the Lions secondary and if the Detroit Lions want to continue winning, he will need to continue his top-tier play. Linebackers The Detroit Lions entered the day with Jack Campbell being the only linebacker from the beginning of the season healthy, but you wouldn’t be able to tell with how they were playing. Campbell made big plays, but so did recent additions like Ezekiel Turner and David Long. Turner was all over the field making plays, including bringing Jordan Love down on a crucial third down at the end of the game that held Green Bay to a field goal. He was the highest-graded PFF player for the Detroit Lions this week and made a huge difference. Long also made a big play recovering a fumble off Christian Watson that resulted in 3 points for Detroit. The Lions have been battling injuries the whole year, but if the new additions can continue to make an impact, they will be able to go far in the playoffs. Losers Carlton Davis Davis has been great for Detroit this year, but this week he struggled. Davis gave up a chunk play to Christian Watson to open the second half followed by a TD just a few plays later. Although he gave up 4 catches for 120 yards, he did make a big play to force a fumble. Davis has been good this year so there’s not much to worry about. He needs to play better than if the Lions want to win. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs The Lions have gotten their running game going almost every game, but this week was an exception. The Packers did a great job holding both Gibbs and Montgomery to under 4 yards per carry, forcing Detroit to have to win the game in the air. Taylor Decker was out again, which likely played a big role in how the run game operated, but they still need to succeed. The Lions offense runs on the two running backs, so they will need to have a better game come playoff time if the Detroit Lions want to win. Final Thoughts With the Detroit Lions clinching a playoff spot in Thursday’s victory, they must ensure the Minnesota Vikings do not overtake them in the NFC North standings. Detroit has a difficult game next week as the Buffalo Bills come to town in what may be a Super Bowl preview. This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.Qatar's prime minister said on Saturday that momentum had returned to talks aimed at securing a truce and hostage exchange deal in Gaza following Donald Trump's election as US president. The Gulf emirate, along with the United States and Egypt, had been involved in months of unsuccessful negotiations for a Gaza truce and hostage release. But in November, Doha announced it had put its mediation on hold, saying it would resume when Hamas and Israel showed "willingness and seriousness". "We have sensed, after the election, that the momentum is coming back," Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told the Doha Forum for political dialogue. He spoke as a source close to the Hamas delegation in the talks told AFP that a new round of negotiations will "most likely" begin in the coming week. Sheikh Mohammed said that while there were "some differences" in the approach to an agreement by the outgoing and incoming US administrations, "we didn't see or recognise any disagreement on the goal itself to end the war". He said there had been "a lot of encouragement from the incoming administration in order to achieve a deal, even before the president comes to the office", adding this had affected Qatar's decision to get talks "back on track". "We hope to get things done as soon as possible. We hope that the willingness of the parties to engage in a good faith continues," he said. The source close to the Hamas delegation, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP: "Based on contacts with the mediators, we expect a new round of negotiations to begin in Cairo, most likely this week, to discuss ideas and proposals regarding a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange." The source added that Turkey, as well as Egypt and Qatar, had been "making commendable efforts to stop the war". In a statement later on Saturday, the group said Turkish spy chief Ibrahim Kalin met with a Hamas delegation in Doha to discuss the war in Gaza. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. During the attack, militants kidnapped 251 people, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 declared dead by the Israeli military. Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 44,664 people, a majority civilians, according to figures from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry which the UN considers reliable. The US president-elect this week warned on social media of unspecified massive repercussions if the hostages were not released by the time he takes office next month. Trump has vowed staunch support for Israel and to dispense with outgoing President Joe Biden's occasional criticism, but has also spoken of his desire to secure deals on the world stage. On Saturday, Qatar's premier dismissed the prospect of his country facing greater pressure over the status of the Hamas political bureau, which the Gulf state has hosted since 2012 with Washington's blessing. Sheikh Mohammed called the Hamas office a "platform to convene between the different parties". Qatar was not "expected to enforce solutions" on the Palestinian militants, he added. csp/srm/dcp/it
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Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picksAden Holloway established career highs of 26 points and eight 3-pointers to help No. 5 Alabama roll to a 105-82 nonconference victory over South Dakota State on Sunday at Tuscaloosa, Ala. Freshman Labaron Philon had the best game of his young career with 21 points and six assists for the Crimson Tide (11-2). Mark Sears had 20 points, including 6-for-14 3-point shooting. Grant Nelson added 17 points and eight rebounds and scored the game's first eight points. Alabama coach Nate Oats has sometimes been critical of his squad's defensive effort and the second half against the Jackrabbits will provide more fuel for that concern. Alabama did connect on a season-best 19 3-point shots but also attempted 55 long-range shots (34.5 percent). The Tide also saw South Dakota State put up 49 points in the second half to keep the score relatively competitive. Alabama claimed a fifth straight win with its third 100-plus point performance of the season. South Dakota State (9-6) was led by Washington State transfer Oscar Cluff, who had 21 points and 15 rebounds, including seven offensive boards. The Jackrabbits connected on 11-for-26 3-point shooting (42.3 percent), with guard Isaac Lindsey scoring 11 points, including 3-for-6 on 3-point tries. After Nelson's personal 8-0 run to open the game, South Dakota State pulled with 16-14 on a shot by William Whorton with 11:45 to play in the opening half. But Alabama then broke the game open, going on a 24-3 run culminating in a Holloway 3-pointer to give the Tide a 40-17 edge with 7:37 left in the opening half. South Dakota State trailed 57-33 at halftime, but played a much more competitive second half offensively by connecting on 17 of 33 shots (51.5 percent). Alabama will open 2025 with a home game against No. 12 Oklahoma on Saturday. South Dakota State will host Summit Conference opponent Denver on Thursday. --Field Level Media
Three LA Lakers players had big role in decision to trade D’Angelo Russell away, next trade possible
