12/14/21 SPORTS WRAP-UP
NFL: The Los Angeles Rams played strong, and the Arizona Cardinals just never caught a groove. Although the final score 30-20 would indicate it was close, it never was. The Cardinals made it interesting towards the end but could not get the job done at home. The Cardinals fall to 10-3 on the season to match Tampa Bay and Green Bay for the league’s best record.
The 5-8 Carolina Panthers are on the road this week. They travel to Buffalo to face a determined Bills squad. The Bills sit in second place in the AFC East Division, two games behind New England and one game above Miami.
Thursday Night The 9-4 Kansas City Chiefs go to San Diego. The Chargers are 8-5. This game is scheduled for an 8:20 kick-off on FOX.
There are two Saturday games this week in the NFL. The Las Vegas Raiders will head to Cleveland to face the Browns. This game has a 4:30pm kick-off on the NFL Network. At 8:20pm, the Patriots are on the road in Indianapolis. This game is also on the NFF Network with an 8:20pm start.
Sunday night’s game is Tampa Bay (10-3) hosting the New Orleans Saints (6-7). This always promises to be an exciting game. Tom Brady threw career touchdown pass 700 last week in his overtime win. That touchdown put him first on the leader board for Most NFL Career Passing Yards, surpassing longtime friend and longtime Saints quarterback, Drew Brees. This game is on NBC at 8:20pm
Monday Night Football is the Vikings at the Bears. This is one of the oldest matchups in NFL history. Both these teams are struggling to keep their playoff hopes alive. Kickoff is 8:15pm on ESPN.
NBA: The Charlotte Hornets went into Dallas to face the Mavericks last night. Dallas was without the services of Luka Doncic, he has been sidelined a few games with a left ankle injury. That was no problem as Dallas strong=armed the Hornets 120-96. Kristap Porzingis had a double-double and led all scorers and rebounders in the game. Porzingis has 24 points and 13 rebounds. Kelly Oubtre Jr. Led Charlotte with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Miles Bridges grabbed 10 rebounds in the loss. The Hornets look to get back on track Wednesday night in San Antonio against the Spurs. 8:30pm start on this game.
In Chicago two games recently had to be canceled and rescheduled due to Covid-19.
NHL: The Carolina Hurricanes are back on this side of the border but are still on the road as they play the Minnesota Wild tonight. Both teams enter the game with 19 wins. The Hurricanes are hoping to have two star players back after clearing Covid Protocol. Defensemen Brett Pesce and Tony DeAngelo are expected to be in uniform, but how much playing time they will get is uncertain. The game is 8pm tonight at the Xcel Energy Center.
The Hurricanes are back home Thursday night, after a long road trip. They will host the Detroit Red Wings. This game has a scheduled 7pl start time.
NCAA: North Carolins hosts Furman ton in mens basketball. This game is on ESPN@ with coverage starting at 7pm.
Duke, 7-3, is on the ACC Network tonight at 8pm. They host the 3-7 Bulldogs of South Carolina State
College football “Bowl Season” is here. Bowl games kick-off December 13, 2021, and continue through January 10, 2022, wrapping it up with the 2022 College Football Playoffs National Championship. This year’s championship is being played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at 8pm on ESPN.
LOCAL SPORTS: Boys Varsity basketball action returns Wednesday night. The Whiteville Wolfpack travels to Purnell Swett. 7:30pm start scheduled. East and South Columbus High Schools are also on the road Thursday night.
Girls Varsity hoops also returns Wednesday, as the Lady wolfpack also heads into Purnell Swett. This game has a 6pm start scheduled.
The Lady Stallions of South Columbus are still looking for their first win of the season. They head to Loris Thursday night.
