Stanfield late jumper lets Daemen escape with win

AMHERST, NY - It was a night to remember for Daemen junior Samantha Stanfield (Brooklyn, NY/James Madison HS) who delivered a game-winning jump shot with 1.2 seconds remaining to lift the Daemen Wildcats to a thrilling 57-56 win in the season opener vs. the visiting York Lions. After Stanfield's jumper rang true, a desperation three-point attempt by York's Brittany Szockyj fell short sending a raucous Daemen crowd into a frenzy.

Stanfield's game-winner highlighted a 34-point second half effort from Daemen who trailed 24-23 at the half. After connecting on just 10-of-30 (33%) field goal attempts in the opening period, Daemen managed a better showing in the second, as they shot 42% (15-for-36).

"Our inexperience definitley showed today, but fortunately we were able to make big plays down the stretch," said Daemen head coach Dave Skolen.

Ellie Allen (Amherst, NY/Sweet Home HS) led Daemen with 19 points and nine rebounds. Junior transfer Chelsea Andorka (Canton, OH/Central Catholic HS), playing in her first game for Daemen, notched 11 points and seven boards while Stanfield added 10 points, eight of which came in the pivotal second half.

Senior center Courtney Donovan (Grand Island, NY/Grand Island HS) loomed large for Daemen with eight rebounds and shower terrific passing out of the post resulting in a team-best seven assists.

Samantha Ernest led York with 16 points while Szockyj added 15. Kayla Pangos reached double figures with 10 points off the bench.

Daemen got great minutes off their bench from freshman Jordyn Broas who scored nine points and collected seven boards in her first collegiate game. Broas was part of a huge Daemen rebounding edge as they out-boarded the Lions 53-31 on the night.

With a terrific finish to tonight's contest, the two teams will tip it up again tomorrow afternoon at 2pm

Source: Mike Miranto, Daemen assistant men's basketball coach, http://athletics.daemen.edu/recap.php?sport_code=wbb&season=2011-2012&schedule_id=1250

Granger to throw "Lockout Gift" to Pacer Employees

With the NBA lockout reaching triple digit days two weeks ago, many workers around and within the team and it's arena have been laid off and are without a job. Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers doesn't seem to like that and has invited all workers from the Pacers' arena out for a dinner. This is a good gesture to the many without a job and I'm sure they all hope for their job back as soon as possible once this labor dispute is resolved.

Danny Granger said on his official Facebook page

Danny Granger

If you haven't heard, I've invited all the workers from our arena to dinner with me in Indianapolis. Date to be announced soon. A little NBA lockout gift!

Lions use another second half surge to defeat Bears

The Detroit Lions will not have to answer the question of "are they for real" for much longer. The question will be "are they a Super Bowl contender?"

After another victory Monday night at home against the Chicago Bears, the Lions moved to 5-0 on the season to keep pace with division rival Green Bay as the only two undefeated teams in football.

At first, it was a nice story to see the Lions winning a few games but not many thought it would last. The pre-conceived notion was that they were an up and coming team, still a few years away from making the playoffs. They have exceeded those expectations and have proven that they are one of the best in the NFC.

The game Monday night started off as most of the Lions' games have this year, with Matthew Stafford too hyped up, and the team looking a little jumpy. They then settled down, especially in the second half where they came back from a 10-7 halftime deficit to win 24-13. Stafford racked up 219 yards with two touchdowns while the running game got it going as Jahvid Best had 12 caries for 163 yards which included an 88 yard touchdown run. Calvin Johnson, also known as "Megatron" continued his torrent pace with five receptions for 130 and another touchdown, bringing his season total to nine, setting a new NFL record for the most through the first five games of the season.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was constantly hit throughout the night as he was sacked three times, and was hit six times, and roughed up plenty more. He still played very well with 249 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. Matt Forte had 22 caries for 116 yards, keeping his game in great shape.

Another point in this game was the defensive line of the Lions. First round pick Nick Fairley made his season debut as he alongside Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch was a huge force and caused disruptions to Jay Cutler and the Chicago offensive line all night.

Source: Broncos confirm Tebow as starter

According to ESPN, the Denver Broncos has conformed Tim Tebow will start at quarterback for teams' next game, October 23rd in Miami against the Dolphins.

The Broncos currently sit at 1-4, last in the AFC West coming off a 29-24 home loss to the first place Chargers.

Texans lose DE/LB Williams for season

The Houston Texans, in search of their first playoff birth and first division title, suffered a major blow Sunday as their all-pro defensive end and linebacker tore his pectoral muscle and will miss the remainder of the season.

Williams has been nothing short of dominant in his career, racking up 192 tackles and a remarkable total of 53 sacks including five through his four games played this season. When Wade Phillips took over the defense this year in Houston, the change of Williams to outside linebacker was heavily scrutinized but with the new 3-4 defense, he has fit well into his new role.

With the Indianapolis Colts struggling without Peyton Manning, the Texans have been given every opportunity to win the division but without Mario Williams, they will face a challenge they never expected to face.

Broncos coach to make QB decision Tuesday

Has the Tim Tebow ear in Denver finally arrived? After Tebow replaced starting quarterback Kyle Orton in Sunday's game against San Diego, he provided a spark and nearly led the Broncos back to a win.

While on the field, Tebow rushed for a touchdown while tossing one to Knowshon Moreno as well. He led the offense to 14 points while on the field and compiled a total QBR of 83.2 compared to the 5.1 rating of Kyle Orton.

Head coach John Fox said that he would evaluate the game film and make a decision on the starting quarterback situation this week. Today, he said that a decision would be made Tuesday and he is expected to name Tebow the starter.

Tebow enters game in 3rd quarter for Orton

In the third quarter of Denver's game vs San Diego, John Fox replaced Kyle Orton with Tim Tebow.

Orton had just 34 passing yards in the first half with one interception. Tebow started the second half after it was determined the switch was a coach's' decision.

Tebow ran for a 12 yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. He also hooked up with Knowshon Moreno for a 28 yard touchdown with three minutes remaining. He made the finish extremely interesting as he stormed the Broncos back into the game. He nearly won the game after driving down the field with a 30 yard pass falling incomplete in the endzone with no time left on the clock.

With a bye next week for the Broncos, all signs point to the Tim Tebow era beginning in Denver.