After last year's heartbreak, UNC takes 6th title with win over Gonzaga

It's OK, Carolina, you can open your eyes.

An unwatchable game turned into a beautiful night for the Tar Heels, who turned a free-throw contest into a championship they've been waiting an entire year to celebrate.

Justin Jackson delivered the go-ahead 3-point play with 1:40 left Monday and North Carolina pulled away for a 71-65 win over Gonzaga that washed away a year's worth of heartache.

It was, in North Carolina's words, a redemption tour -- filled with extra time on the practice court and the weight room, all fueled by a devastating loss in last year's title game on Kris Jenkins' 3-point dagger at the buzzer for Villanova.

"Just unreal that we get a second chance at this," junior Theo Pinson said, recounting a pre-game conversation with teammate Joel Berry II. "Not a lot of people can say they can do that. I told him, `We're about to take this thing. I'm about to give everything I got.' I knew he would, too, We just didn't want to come up short again."

But to say everything went right for Roy Williams' team at this Final Four would be less than the truth.

The Tar Heels (33-7) followed a terrible-shooting night in the semifinal with an equally ice-cold performance in the final -- going 4 for 27 from 3-point land and 26 for 73 overall.

Gonzaga, helped by 8 straight points from Nigel Williams-Goss, took a 2-point lead with 1:52 left, but the next possession was the game-changer.

Jackson took a zinger of a pass under the basket from Pinson and converted the shot, then the ensuing free throw to take the lead for good. Moments later, Williams-Goss twisted an ankle and could not elevate for a jumper that would've given the Bulldogs the lead.

Isaiah Hicks made a basket to push the lead to 3, then Kennedy Meeks, in foul trouble all night (who wasn't?), blocked Williams-Goss' shot and Jackson got a slam on the other end to put some icing on title No. 6 for the Tar Heels.

Williams got his third championship, putting him one ahead of his mentor, Dean Smith, and now behind only John Wooden, Mike Krzyzewski and Adolph Rupp.

"I think of Coach Smith, there's no question," Williams said. "I don't think I should be mentioned in the same sentence with him. But we got three because I've got these guys with me and that's all I care about right now -- my guys."

Berry recovered from ankle injuries to lead the Tar Heels, but needed 19 shots for his 22 points. Jackson had 16 but went 0 for 9 from 3. Overall, the Tar Heels actually shot a percentage point worse than they did in Saturday night's win over Oregon.

Thank goodness for free throws.

They went 15 for 26 from the line and, in many corners, this game will be remembered for these three men: Michael Stephens, Verne Harris and Mike Eades, the referees who called 27 fouls in the second half, completely busted up the flow of the game and sent Meeks, Gonzaga's 7-footers Przemek Karnowski and Zach Collins, and a host of others to the bench in foul trouble.

The game "featured" 52 free throws. Both teams were in the bonus with 13 minutes left. Somehow, Collins was the only player to foul out.

Most bizarre sequence: With 8:02 left, Berry got called for a foul for (maybe) making contact with Karnowski and stripping the ball from the big man's hands. But as Karnowski was flailing after the ball, he inadvertently grabbed Berry around the neck. After a long delay, the refs called Karnowski for a flagrant foul of his own.

"I'm not going to talk about refs," Karnowski said. "It was just a physical game."

Zags coach Mark Few handled it with class, calling the refs "three of the best officials in the entire country," and insisting they did a fine job.

He might have wanted further review on the scrum with 50 seconds left. The refs were taking heat on social media for calling a held ball, which gave possession to the Tar Heels, on a pile-up underneath the Carolina basket. It set up the Hicks layup to put Carolina ahead by 3. One problem: Meeks' right hand looks to be very much touching out of bounds while he's trying to rip away the ball.

"That was probably on me," Few said. "From my angle, it didn't look like an out of bounds situation or I would have called a review. That's tough to hear."

The Bulldogs (37-2), the Cinderella-turned-Godzilla team from the small school in the West Coast Conference, tried to keep the big picture in mind. Twenty years ago, this sort of run at that sort of place looked virtually impossible. With less than 2 minutes left, they had the lead in the national title game.

"We broke the glass ceiling everyone said we couldn't break," junior forward Johnathan Williams said. And North Carolina got over a hump that, at times this season, felt like a mountain.

"They wanted redemption," Williams said. "I put it on the locker room up on the board -- one of the things we had to be tonight was tough enough. I think this group was tough enough tonight."

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Cowboys to release all-time leading passer Tony Romo

Tony Romo will soon no longer be a Dallas Cowboy. The Cowboys will release the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns on Thursday, sources told ESPN, allowing him the chance to sign with another team if he desires while removing any doubt that they have the utmost faith in Dak Prescott. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones' decision to release Romo was the result of a conversation between the two on Tuesday, league sources told ESPN's Ed Werder.

A source told Werder that Romo did not have to pressure Jones to release him before the official beginning of NFL free agency so he could pursue opportunities with another franchise.

Jones told Romo that he had waited to determine whether another team might offer the Cowboys something in a trade for the oft-injured quarterback. When that failed to occur following the NFL scouting combine, Jones told Romo he would release him and make him a June 1 designation, which will save the Cowboys $14 million against the cap this year. Romo will still count $10.7 million on the 2017 cap and $8.9 million on the 2018 cap.

The Cowboys are visiting with veteran quarterback Josh McCown on Wednesday, who would replace Romo as the backup quarterback if he signs with the team.

McCown was one of the Cowboys' targets last summer after Kellen Moore broke his ankle in the first week of training camp, but the Cleveland Browns' asking price was too high. McCown, who turns 38 in July, was released by the Browns earlier in the offseason after a two-year run with the club.

The release of Romo, who turns 37 in April, does not come as much surprise, although it was a move that pained Jones because of the close relationship he forged with Romo over 14 years.

Prescott's play in 2016, which earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and the Cowboys' a 13-3 record, all but clinched the decision. While the Cowboys could have afforded the $24.7 million salary-cap figure, in reality paying a backup quarterback $14 million made little sense.

Romo's rise to the top of the Cowboys' all-time passing chart started as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Illinois in 2003. He eschewed a larger signing bonus from the Denver Broncos at the time to join the Cowboys.

Then-coach Bill Parcells took an immediate liking to Romo; however, he did not throw a pass in a game until 2006. After replacing Drew Bledsoe at halftime against the New York Giants, Romo made the first start of his career on Oct. 29, 2006, against the Carolina Panthers, throwing for 270 yards and a touchdown in a 35-14 win.

He sparked the Cowboys to a 9-7 finish and spot in the playoffs, but that season ended when he dropped a snap on a potential winning field goal attempt against the Seattle Seahawks in the wild-card round.

In his first full season as the starter in 2007, Romo threw for a then-franchise-record 4,211 yards, a mark he would set twice more in his career, and a franchise record 36 touchdown passes. The Cowboys finished with the best record in the NFC (13-3) but lost in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Romo has a career record of 78-49, but he never was able to get the Cowboys past the divisional round of the playoffs in four playoff appearances. His 34,183 passing yards and 248 touchdown passes are the most in team history, but with Hall of Famers Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman combining for five Super Bowl wins, Cowboys quarterbacks are judged on championships.

Romo also holds team records for most 300-yard passing games (46), multiple touchdown pass games (79) and consecutive games with a touchdown pass (38). In 2012, he threw for a club-record 4,903 yards and on Oct. 6, 2013, against the Denver Broncos, he threw for a franchise record 506 yards. He owns the NFL record with a touchdown pass in 41 straight road games.

Back injuries started to slow Romo down. In 2013, he had two back surgeries, including a discectomy before the season finale. He suffered two transverse process fractures in 2014 but missed just one game in leading the Cowboys to a 12-4 record and NFC East title.

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Australia will host Brazil at MCG on June 13 before the Confederations Cup

AUSTRALIA will play football powerhouse Brazil at the MCG in June in the lead-up to the Confederations Cup.

The Socceroos will meet Brazil on June 13 in a friendly, with the South American giants in Melbourne for a blockbuster clash with Argentina four days earlier.



Australia last met the world No.2 side in 2013 when Brazil won 6-0 in Brasilia, the penultimate game in Holger Osieck’s reign before he was sacked and replaced by Ange Postecoglou for the 2014 World Cup campaign.

Australia also played Brazil at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where they were edged 2-0 in their second group game under Guus Hiddink and last met Brazil on home soil at the 1988 Bicentenary Gold Cup, losing 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium in Melbourne.

The match will be the Socceroos’ farewell before they head to Russia for the Confederations Cup, where they are going to face Cameroon, Chile and Germany.

Headlined by Neymar, Brazil will boast a wealth of world class talent that will arrive in Melbourne. Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus, Chelsea’s David Luiz and Willian and Juventus’ Dani Alves are some of the headline acts from the Premier League, La Liga and Serie set to hit our shores.

The Socceroos clash will be four days after Brazil take on arch rivals Argentina, which will pit Neymar against his Barcelona colleague Lionel Messi.

TICKETS

Telstra has a pre-sale for customers from 9am on Monday 27 February to 9am Wednesday 1 March, before the window opens for Football Family members from 11am until 11am on Friday 3 March.

Tickets to the general public open from 12pm on Friday 3 March 2017, but pricing details have not yet been released.

PODCAST: Adam Peacock, Simon Hill and Daniel Garb tackle all the big issues in the game - starting with matters on and off the field from the Sydney Derby.

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Madrid flex goalscoring muscles to halt Napoli

Real Madrid recovered from a goal down to end Napoli's 18-game unbeaten run in spectacular fashion at the Santiago Bernabéu.

A UEFA Champions League match between two of Europe's most expansive sides always promised much and it did not disappoint – all four goals had the mark of genuine quality. Lorenzo Insigne drew first blood, spotting Keylor Navas off his line and bending a shot in from 30 metres.

Madrid picked themselves up, dusted themselves down and came right back at the visitors. By the 18th minute this round of 16 first leg was level, Karim Benzema rising to head in a gorgeous cross off the outside of Dani Carvajal's boot.

Benzema went close to putting Madrid ahead before half-time, denied by the post, yet the reprieve was brief for Napoli. Fine goals from Toni Kroos and Casemiro – the second a volley – in the opening nine minutes of the second period gave Madrid a 3-1 lead to take to Naples in three weeks.

Key player: Casemiro (Real Madrid)

The No14 is an integral part of this Madrid team, a key piece of the jigsaw. His defensive shielding in front of the back four helps keep them protected and here – Napoli's goal aside – his performance in that sense was exemplary. Add to that a sublime volley that gave his side breathing space.

Fight fire with fire
The talk heading into this fixture was how Madrid were going to cope with Napoli's counterattacking and the answer was simple: fight fire with fire. After falling behind early on, they tightened up defensively and their own version of the break was slick and caused chaos for the visiting defence. The Merengues wanted to take an advantage to Italy and this was a job well done – truth be told, the cushion could have been greater.

Madrid win midfield battle
Maurizio Sarri made a brave decision selecting 19-year-old Amadou Diawara and 22-year-old Piotr Zieliński. They are both highly promising – and confirmed it tonight – but it was Casemiro, Kroos and Luka Modrić who dominated the midfield. The experience will stand the youngsters in good stead and, regardless of how this tie finishes, this Napoli outfit have a bright future.

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76ers expect Ben Simmons to play this season, 'just don't know when'

Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown said he expects to have rookie and No. 1 draft pick Ben Simmons on the court in a game this season.
Our plan is to still see him on the court, playing games," Brown told ESPN on Wednesday. "We just don't know when.
"I fully expect him to play this season. He thinks that, and he's motivated to play."

Both Brown and Simmons are in favor of the 6-foot-10, 240-pound point guard/forward making his NBA debut this season, sources told ESPN. However, the decision ultimately rests with the Sixers management.Simmons fractured his foot at the end of September, and the team is being cautious -- especially after dealing with Joel Embiid and his rash of injuries the past couple of years.

Brown told ESPN that Simmons is running, jumping and cutting but hasn't been cleared for contact. Brown has been training Simmons in individual workouts, and the player also has been doing 5-on-0 drills.  Brown reiterated that Simmons won't be doing any 5-on-5 work over the All-Star break, largely because the players are out of town and it would be difficult to simulate.
"I think he looks good -- even though it's 5-on-0," Brown said. "He's got a great spirit, attitude. The plan is to heal him up, treat him with complete care and then deliver him to the court."

Have A Great Day Sports Hub Oz Team 

Super Bowl Sunday Sydney Australia - Was Awesome!!

Ok well I have to admit I was pulling for the Atlanta Falcons we most of our crew was.  Usually the Patriots is my backup team but not this Sunday and Wow what a game congrats to Tom Brady & The Team for a Great Super Bowl!

Likewise FireFan was pretty awesome we gave away a brand new 2017 Nissan Altima To Brian Gill from Ohio Congrats To Him!

We also had a great event happening of our own with about 250 people that enjoyed Free Hotdog's & Budweiser Beer for the first quarter of the game just for playing FireFan!!! Everyone that played went in the draw for the Car or $25,000 cash. 

We also had fun with some sporting celebs like MC & Host for the day Australia's First Drafted NFL Legend Colin Scotts!  We had great halftime games for Beer and the restaurant was awesome thanks to the Royal Oaks Hotel Double Bay!  

Colin Was Over The Moon For The Patriots Overall We All Had A Great Day ... Looking Forward To Next Year!  Sports Hub Oz Crew...

FireFan MVP Manny Pacquiao set to fight Jeff Horn In Australia

Brisbane is about to compete for Australian boxing's bout of the century when Brisbane's "fighting schoolteacher" Jeff Horn is confirmed on Wednesday as the contender against "legendary" world welterweight champ Manny Pacquiao in April 2017.

Pacquiao , now 38, is a world boxing celebrity with 11 world titles in a career that has lasted 22 years and was recently elected as a senator in his home country of the Philippines. 

 Horn, 28, is a former teacher at Brisbane's Pallara State School near Forest Lake and is Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk's second cousin, that is, the son of Cr Quirk's cousin. "Manny Pacquiao is a legend in the boxing world," Cr Quirk said.

He is probably the biggest boxing name in the world right now."

He earned $100 million for a May 2015 bout against Floyd Mayweather, billed as "The Fight of the Century" and reportedly donated some of the winnings to hospitals in the Philippines. Brisbane-born Horn, the kind-talking, tough welterweight is the No.2 contender to Pacquiao's crown after turning professional in 2013.



If Suncorp Stadium wins the right to host the fight – which could be confirmed at 1:30 pm Brisbane time – the city would host one of 2017's landmark sporting events. Pundits are predicting almost 50,000 could turn up to see the fight, although venues are also booked in Sydney and other sites on Australia's east coast.

Previous boxing bouts have drawn close to 40,000 people and the first fight between world champion Jeff Fenech and Azumah Nelson drew 38,000 fans.

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