Perfection

"It's time to chase your dreams..."

Afrika Bambaataa - Planet Rock

Earlier this season the Stanford Cardinals squared off against the UConn Huskies as the squad from Palo Alto jumped to a halftime lead, before losing to the defending champions. Last night they battled for the National Championship, and the game was slightly reminiscent of the first.

Deja Vu

UConn trailed 20-12 Tuesday night, and while the audience may have had their doubts...I believe that both teams knew things would change. Maya Moore scored 11 points during a UConn 17-2 run that sparked the beginning of the 2nd half, as the Cardinals lost another close game to the best team in college basketball 53-47.

The women of UConn have a 78-0 record since they began play last season, and although Player of the Year Tina Charles is moving on to the professional ranks, they will find peace in knowing that Maya Moore and Caroline Doty will be back for another run in 2011.

In defense of Stanford, their senior leader Jayne Appel entered the game with an injury to her ankle and was ineffective throughout the contest. Basketball like life isn't fair, and in UConn's case it was just a matter of time before Moore erupted with a scoring flurry. She later explained that she had "no fear".

Losing Charles to graduation will be a big loss, however it seems that this team continues to play tough, and with time...get better.

Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Century Club

Champions

"It's time to chase your dreams..."

Afrika Bambaata - Planet Rock

Today the New York Yankees did a complete 180-degree turn from last season...from their new beautiful ballpark to the additions of Teixeira, Sabathia, and Burnett, this year is completely different.

How Sweep it is

The MLB is as unpredictable as it gets in sports. The main reason is that once the postseason begins...anything can happen in a 5-game series. However from the beginning of spring training the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies have been favorites to win their respective pennants...and while both teams accomplished victory on Sunday...it was the Bronx Bombers who made the biggest statement in winning the AL East crown over the rival Red Sox.

The Sox were facing a weekend series sweep coming into today's game, and they were prepared to escape defeat...leading most of the game 2-1, but it wouldn't be enough as the bats of Cabrera, Cano, Matsui, Jeter, and Texieira rose to the occasion for a 4-2 win, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

After missing the festivities in 2008, the Yankees ushered in a welcome change by taking care of business over Boston, winning their league best 100th game...as the hunt for October begins in less than a week. Now I don't make predictions...I just watch and report on the games...nevertheless, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few familiar pinstripes on the diamond in the upcoming World Series.

Photos: Associated Press Henny Ray Abrams, Kathy Willens

Fantastic 4

Focus

Desire

"It's time to chase your dreams..."

Afrika Bambaataa - Planet Rock

The NBA is down to the Conference Finals, as the winners will advance to play for the ultimate prize...an NBA championship.

2nd Season

The Los Angeles Lakers will matchup against the Denver Nuggets, while the Cavs play host to the Magic. I find it interesting that a lot of "experts" and media outlets alike are already pitting the Lake Show against Cleveland for the title bout, but I wouldn't pencil anything in just yet, as the Nuggets are more than deserving to vie for the Western Conference crown with the likes of Carmelo Anthony, and Chauncey Billups.

A Kobe/LeBron series would be the best thing since people started slicing bread, but as Herman Edwards once said, "you play to win the game"...and in this case...the teams have yet to take the floor. However, I promise you that these series will be just as entertaining as the games in the first round. Remember the Chicago/Boston cliffhangers...well prepare to turn off your cell phone, and put the children to sleep, because you do not want to miss Kobe and Carmelo, or LeBron against the Magic.

I'd like to go out on a limb and make a prediction, but that's not my style. A few keys to each upcoming game...Trevor Ariza's defense on Carmelo for the Lakers, and the point guard battle...Mo Williams, and Rafer Alston will determine more than Game 1.

I love this game!