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The Weekend in Sports! Man City Loses, Vikings win, Venus Knocked out of Australian Open and more!

by SportsWhat's Hot

This Weekend was an action packed weekend for sports. Suga thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Where do I begin?!

With the biggest news of course.

English Premier League – Football/Soccer

Manchester City finally lost their 1st Premier League match of the season. Liverpool beat them 4-3 without Coutinho, who was sold to Barcelona.

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Photo: Bleacher Report

The match was off to a blistering start with Liverpool scoring within the first 10 minutes. Man City’s Sané leveled the score a little before halftime.

Liverpool took 10 minutes to score 3 goals, making it 4-1 at 68′. Liverpool then scored twice in the last 10 minutes to set up a nervy ending for Liverpool to anticipate the sound of the whistle and win in true Liverpool fashion.

If you missed the Goals and excitement or would like to relive the moments, watch it here.

Watch “Liverpool vs Manchester City 4-3 – All Goals & Extended Highlights – EPL 14/01/2018 HD” on YouTube via secure link here:

The Battle for 2nd spot is on. Here is the table now:

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Photo: ESPN Scorecenter

Australian Open – Tennis

The Australian Open has begun and it isn’t looking good for the American women.

Defending Champ, Serena Williams withdrew from the Open and her big comeback because she did not feel ready to go all the way.

2017 US Open Champ and American, Sloane Stephens has already been knocked out, along with fellow Americans, Coco Vandeweghe and Venus Williams.

Venus Williams was knocked out by a former top 10 player, Belinda Bencic of Switzerland 3-6, 5-7.

NBA – Basketball

The Cavs are on a 3-game losing streak!

After a blowout 99-133 loss to the Toronto Raptors and the release of a video with an angry LeBron James in a team huddle last Thursday night, the Cavs were trying to break their 2-game losing streak versus the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

After the Cavs blew a 22-point lead, with just a few seconds left, LeBron James stepped out-of-bounds on a baseline drive to the hoop, then to add insult to injury, missed the last shot as well. Pacers rallied to beat the Cavs 97-95. Not a good week for LeBron and the Cavs.

Watch “LEBRON STEPS OUT OF BOUNDS, CAVS BLOW HUGE LEAD VS PACERS” on YouTube via secure link here:

Cavs play the Warriors tonight at 8pm, which won’t be an easy task either.

The Warriors had a different fate with the Raptors, holding them off 127-125 last Saturday night and the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to win.

NFL – American Football

Super Bowl Sunday is set for February 4th and the AFC and NFC Championships are 1 week away to see who will be in it!

3 of the last 4 teams remaining have never won a Super Bowl. Schedule for Next weekend’s AFC and NFC Title games:

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Photo: ESPN Scorecenter

How did we get there?!

On Saturday, Top seed in the AFC, the New England Patriots led by Tom Brady beat the Tennessee Titans 35-14.

The Titans started off with a lead by a Touchdown (TD) at the end of the 1st quarter.

The Patriots scored 2 TD in the 2nd and never looked back. They scored a 3rd TD just before the half and entered the 3rd quarter, 21-7. Patriots’ Defense tore up the Titans and they led 28 -7 in the beginning of the 4th and sealed victory with another TD to finish 35-14.

The Philadelphia Eagles held off the Atlanta Falcons 15-10 to book their spot in the NFC Championship.

The Falcons led for most of the half, until Eagles’ Jake Elliott scored a 53 yard FG with 1s remaining before halftime to bring the score to Falcons 10- Eagles 9.

The Eagles later on scored to take over the lead 12-10. In the beginning of the 4th, they scored another FG to go up 15-10.

With a few mins remaining, the Falcons were unable to come up with the catch in the end zone.

The Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off the upset of the Playoffs and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 45-42.

The Jaguars led for the majority of the game and did well to hold off the Steelers who kept trying to make a comeback.

The NFL Game of the weekend goes to the Minnesota Vikings versus the New Orleans Saints! Vikings beat the Saints 29-24.

The game was quite a snooze until the Saints finally got on the board with a Touchdown in the 3rd to make it 7-17. Then another in the beginning of the 4th to make it 14-17.

It all started with the interception by Saints’ rookie, Marcus Williams.

With 3:01 left in the 4th, the Saints were up 21-20.

With 1:29 left, Vikings got themselves in FG range and scored to make it 21-23.

The Saints then scored a FG with 25s left to make it 24-23.

Then all of a sudden, Vikings win 29-24  TD!

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Vikings’ Stefon Diggs scores game-winning 61-yard TD in wild finish versus Saints in NFC Divisional Playoff

Ironically, the Saints’ rookie, Marcus Williams who initially turned the game around for the Saints also ended it for them, failing to stop Vikings’ Diggs.

Stefon Diggs scored the game-winning 61-yd TD and in his post-game interview said, ‘I don’t stop playing till the clock hits zero.’

With that wild finish, The Vikings head to NFC Championship to face the Eagles next Sunday.

If you missed the only 4th quarter ‘Walk-off’ TD in NFL Postseason history, Check it out here.

Watch “Stefon Diggs Makes Miracle Walkoff TD Catch on Last Play, Vikings Win! | Can’t-Miss Play | NFL HLs” on YouTube via secure link here:

Sports Season is now in high gear. Stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Andy Murray’s Surgery, your BPL Update, Kyle Lowry’s Nasty Fall and more!

by SportsWhat's Hot

Tennis

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A Photo from Andy Murray’s Melbourne Hospital bed yesterday morning via his Instagram page as he recovers from Hip Surgery.

British Tennis star, Andy Murray had a successful hip surgery and targets return in time for Grand Slam tournament, Wimbledon in July.

Football – English Premier League

Manchester City seems to be running away with the title this year. Here is how the table looks so far:

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Photo: ESPN Scorecenter

So, for those who would just like to watch exciting matchups ahead, see the Schedule for this weekend below:

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Photos: ESPN Scorecenter

Basketball – NBA

Athletes in the NBA have been plagued with many injuries within the past year.

The Star Forward for the San Antonio Spurs, Kawhi Leonard got injured in a game they won versus the Phoenix Suns last Friday. He has a partial tear in his Left Shoulder and sat out Sunday night’s game versus the Trail Blazers, which they lost 110-111. They bounced back without Kawhi last night and beat the Sacramento Kings 107-100.

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Photo: www.espn.com

While Point Guard, Isaiah Thomas (IT) has returned from his Hip injury to his new team, the Cavaliers and had a good start until last night versus the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves headed by Jimmy Butler and Anthony Wiggins, is a team to watch this year from the West. IT clotheslined Andrew Wiggins in the 3rd quarter when the Cavs were down 52-82, resulting in his ejection from the game.

Watch “Isaiah Thomas Clotheslines Andrew Wiggins & Gets Ejected!!” on YouTube here:

It is still questionable how many minutes IT can play in games and if his hip will last until the end of the season and the Cavs’ possible run in the Playoffs.

Another highlight of the game was when Tyus Jones of the Timberwolves got revenge with a huge dunk on LeBron James.

Watch “Tyus Jones gets blocked by LeBron but comes back with a dunk on LeBron James” on YouTube here:

The Timberwolves restricted LeBron James to a season-low of 10 points to win the game with an impressive 127-99 points.

The biggest story of last night though was a sad one. Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors was out for a while last year with a wrist injury, also taking him out of the MVP race. After his return, playing like himself again, he had a nasty fall versus the Brooklyn Nets in OT and had to be carried off the court.

The Raptors still outlasted the Nets 114-113.

Watch “Kyle Lowry’s scary looking Back Injury leaves game – Raptors vs Nets | Jan 8, 2018 NBA Season” on YouTube here:

Prayers go out for Kyle Lowry with the hope of a quick return.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Super Bowl Kick off is today at 6:30pm!

by What's Hot

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Get your Big Screen, Kegs and BBQ Grills ready because Super Bowl LI kicks off at 6:30pm TODAY!

Will QB Tom Brady of the New England Patriots get his 5th ring or will QB Matthew Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons get his 1st?

Tune in to Fox at 6:30pm and don’t miss the Halftime Show with Lady Gaga.

Drink Responsibly 🙂

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this promo, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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Falcons and Patriots Head to the Super Bowl!

by SportsWhat's Hot
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Photo: ESPN Scorecenter

The Falcons destroyed the Packers, beating them 44-21 to head to the Super Bowl.

The Packers failed to score in the first half due to a fumble followed by 2 interceptions. They also failed to convert huge opportunities to intercept when they were unable to recover a loose ball, mistimed a jump in the end zone and dropped the ball in the end zone, which was followed with a touchdown by the Falcons, ending the 1st half 24-0.

Defense was poor for the Packers and has been throughout the Playoffs. The players had butterfingers and even though Rodgers had more rushing yards than his teammates, he couldn’t win it by himself.

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Photo: ESPN Scorecenter

The Patriots rolled over the Steelers as expected with a win of 36-17. They are heading to the Super Bowl for a record 9th time.

Will the Vegas Pro prediction of the Falcons winning it all come through? Suga thinks it is possible. They got young, fresh legs.

In other Sports news, Serena Williams moves on to the Quarterfinals of the Australian Open and Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Cavaliers last Saturday night in Cleveland in OT 118- 115!

LeBron James failed to make the game-winning shot that caused the game to go into OT, he missed more crucial clutch shots and created a turnover. Kevin Love missed his shots as well, including the very last possession when the Spurs defense slipped up and he was left wide open for the 3-point shot. Kyrie Irving made the usual clutch shots in OT but it wasn’t enough.

The Cavs didn’t even play the full Spurs team. The Spurs are currently without Pao Gasol, who is out for 4 to 8 weeks and Tony Parker, who has an injured foot. So the game belonged to Kawhi Leonard who scored a Career high 41 points. It was his 1st game over 40 points.

Stay tuned. Sports season is on a high until June!

By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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NFL Sunday and Australian Open Updates!

by What's Hot

Tennis – Australian Open

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Photo: theguardian.com; Angelique Kerber

No. 1 seed for the women and Defending Champion, Angelique Kerber was upset and overpowered by no. 35 American Coco Vandeweghe who hit 6 aces and 30 winners. Kerber lost 2-6, 3-6.

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Photo: www.theguardian.com; Coco Vandeweghe

Does Serena have a better chance of winning her 23rd Grand Slam title now? Too early to say. Muguruza, Venus, Pliskova and more are still in it.

The no. 1 seed on the men’s side, Andy Murray was also sent packing. He lost to Mischa Zverev in 4 sets, 5-7, 7-5, 2-6, 4-6.

Old veterans and faves Nadal and Federer are still in it though and Federer looks like he is in great shape to win 1 more with Murray and Djokovic out of the way.

Football – NFC and AFC Championship

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Photo: www.nj.com

The favoured Falcons face the Packers today in the NFC Championship at 3:05pm on FOX today. The Falcons injury list is now empty compared to a lengthy one for the Packers. Luckily, ESPN Scorecenter has reported that Wide Receivers, Jordy Nelson, Devante Adams and Geronimo Allison are now active for the game in less than an hour.

The favoured Patriots face the Steelers at 6:40pm on CBS for the AFC Championship.

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Photo: www.nj.com

Enjoy and stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Tragedy on the field during Manning Cup Football match yesterday

by Sports
Dominic James

Suga would like to send heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, teammates and football coach of Dominic James. 

Dominic James was the Captain of St. George’s College Football team, who collapsed on the field yesterday just after about a minute of play in a Manning Cup match versus Excelsior High School at Stadium East. He was rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies where almost an hour later the extremely shocking and sad news broke that the young, 17-year old did not survive his unknown condition. 

It is obvious that he had exemplary qualities to be the Captain. A transfer from Jamaica College, he was a leader and someone his teammates could look up to and relate to and of course an overall good student.

Praying for Dominic’s family and his St. George’s family. Hoping that the entire team or others that may be affected by such a sudden tragedy get counselling if necessary and they are strong enough to rise above this.

Rest in Peace Dominic James. Gone too soon.

Are you ready for RIO RIO RIO?!

by Sports
Photo: @michaelsstores

The Games of the 31st Olympiad in Rio, Brazil began yesterday with football but officially start today! The Games will run from August 5-21. Athletics begin next Friday, August 12.

The Opening Ceremony will start at 6pm this evening at the Maracaná Stadium and will be shown on TvJ with a Pregame show at 4pm. No station seems to have full rights to show the Games so no channel should be blocked.

Brazil’s Olympic Village may not be ready but our Jamaican athletes surely are ready.

However, Suga does not expect the level of magic that occurred in Beijing and London to occur in Rio. Jamaicans need to understand that our Athletics is going through a change in generation, where veterans are either no more such as Kerron Stewart or not as fast after rounds as they used to be, e.g. VCB, and most of the young, upcoming athletes are not quite ready to deliver the quality we have been spoilt with over the past 2 Olympiads.

However, enough of being a Debbie Downer. Even though that may be at the back of my mind, I remain positive and know that veterans like Usain Bolt can still deliver and newcomers like Elaine Thompson should deliver. Omar McLeod and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce are on the ropes but there seems to be something about the Olympics that just puts a torch under our you know what and then sparks just fly.

We have newcomers to look forward to in Gymnastics such as Toni-Ann Williams, Yona Knight-Wisdom for Diving and Timothy Wynter for Swimming.

Will our Alia Atkinson finally get her Olympic medal? I sure hope so. She gets closer every time.

Swimming, Tennis and Basketball start tomorrow. Fret not for the hot races in Athletics because they are mostly in the evenings and on weekends. You can set in your calendars from now:

Women’s 100m FINAL:

Saturday, August 13 @ 8:35pm

Men’s 100m FINAL:

Sunday, August 14 @ 8:25pm

Women’s 200m FINAL:

Wednesday, August 17 at 8:30pm

Men’s 200m FINAL:

Thursday, August 18 at 8:30pm

The 4×100m Relay FINALS will be run on the Saturday before the Olympics end.

If you didn’t get your Free Jamaica Observer Olympics Supplement in the Sunday paper, you can be sure to stay tuned to Suga’s posted schedules, updates and commentary on this website and like Suga Lifestyle’s Facebook page.

There is also a Flow Rio 2016 App that you can download on your phones for free. Not sure if it is as user friendly as the London 2012 app yet but it seems to have a decent layout so far. Too early to endorse.

Well Suga Bears, let the Games BEGIN!!!

The Champions of the Weekend!

by Sports

Tennis

Congratulations to all winners this weekend! Huge Congrats to Serena Williams for finally hitting 22. She now ties Steffi Graf for winning the most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era. Margaret Court still stands at 24.

Congrats to Venus Williams for winning her 6th Doubles Wimbledon title with Serena. It has been a struggle for her since diagnosed with her autoimmune disease but she has never given up. She made it to the Semi Finals of the Singles in Wimbledon and did well in the Doubles to win the Finals with her sister. 

Andy Murray won the Gentleman’s title in straight sets as well. Congrats to him.

Football

For the big winners of the weekend, Portugal! EURO 2016 Champions! Should I also say Cristiano Ronaldo? He came off the field after about 25 minutes with an injury to the knee but he won from the sidelines. How does the great Lionel Messi feel now? He didn’t rally his team together like that. It is hardly likely they will ever get that opportunity again to win an International title. Congrats to them for seizing the moment.

Athletics
Dafne Schippers ran 10.90s for the 100m in the European Championships. Although she had no competition, I expect her to be more impressive in the 200m at RIO. I haven’t seen her time for that as yet.

At the US trials, Justin Gatlin had to run for his life after running 2nd in the semis and getting lane 8 for the final. He beat LaShawn Merritt (19.79s) and Ameer Webb in 19.75s.

For the 200m, Allyson Felix did not make it! Prandini edged her out for the 3rd place spot and it was all about Tori Bowie who won in 22.25s.

The Women’s 100m Hurdles was one to see! Such a packed field. Dawn Harper did not make the finals. Jasmin Stowers fell before the line, Sharika Nelvis did not make it and one of the favourites, Keni Harrison who ran 12.24s this year did not make ut either! 

Brianna Rollins won in 12.34s followed by Kristi Castlin, then Nia Ali.

The US Men’s 110m hurdles had a new winner, Devon Allen! David Oliver did not run the final. He had a hamstring injury after the semis. Aries Merritt and Jason Richardson also failed to make it. 

Gymnastics

Gabby is back! After falling on the beam Friday night at the US Gymnastics trials and again last night, Gabby Douglas still made the US Fierce Five team for her solid routine on the bars.

Congrats to Gabby and the other 4 who made it, especially Simone Biles who won it all. That team is probably one of the hardest to make. Looking forward to seeing them in RIO!

Andy Murray wins Wimbledon and EURO 2016 final is up in an hour!

by Sports

Andy Murray (2) won his 2nd Wimbledon Title and 3rd Grand Slam Title this morning by defeating Milos Raonic (6) 6-4, 7-6, 7-6. Raonic served well only losing serve once but Murray and the crowd were too pumped up and he did not have enough answers to complete rallies on Andy’s serve.

Andy Murray was in endless tears after the win. Emotional is an understatement. It definitely meant more to him than the 1st Wimbledon.

Congrats to Andy Murray.

UP NEXT at 2pm…

Suga’s thoughts? Ronaldo may feel he has a lot to prove because of Messi’s recent failure but France has a better chance and it is up to them to lose.

Serena heads to the Wimbledon Final and France face Germany today!

by Sports

Serena Williams took care of business quickly today with her serve on point to beat unseeded Elena Vesnina 6-2, 6-0 to head to her 3rd straight final this year. She is 0-2. Can she finally do it? She will face either her sister, Venus (8) or Angelique Kerber (4) who beat her in the Australian Open final this year.

Photo: www.thereportertimes.com

For EURO 2016, Portugal eliminated Wales yesterday 2-0 and await the winner of the semifinal between France and Germany today at 2pm. Suga thinks France will take it.