(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Charlotte Hornets to the Moda Center tonight.  The Blazers had their three-game win streak snapped by the Warriors on Sunday.  Portland is 21-and-28 overall.  Tip set for seven o'clock.

(Undated)  --  Oregon and Oregon State are gearing up for their newest recruiting classes to be unveiled tomorrow.  National Signing Day is tomorrow and the Ducks are poised for a top-15 national finish according to several scouting outlets.  Meanwhile, the Beavers are expected to have their best class rating over the past decade.

(Eugene, OR)  --  After having its win streak snapped, Oregon is focusing on its next opponents.  The 13th-ranked Ducks welcome Arizona State and fifth-ranked Arizona to Eugene this week in Pac-12 action.  Oregon is 19-and-3 overall and 8-and-1 in conference.

(Undated)  --  A WalletHub study says Seattle is included in the ten Best Cities for Football Fans.  Seattle is ranked 5th on a list of 244 cities deemed the best places for those who love football, while Portland stands at number 45.  The report tried to gauge the passion that people had for their team, but also included factors such as the price of a ticket and "fan friendliness."  Among mid-size cities, Eugene is ranked 11th, and Corvallis is ranked 111th among small cities.

(Tucson, AZ)  --  Timbers center Gbengo Arokoyo is dealing with an injury.  The center back suffered an Achilles injury after colliding with a teammate during training in Tucson, Arizona.  Coach Caleb Porter says Arokoyo is getting evaluated by a doctor to determine the severity of the injury.

(Portland, OR)  --  Kevin Durant scored 33 and pulled down 10 rebounds to help the Warriors hold off the Trail Blazers 113-111 in Portland.  C.J. McCollum paced the Blazers with 28 points in defeat.  Evan Turner missed the would-be game-winner at the buzzer as Portland had its three-game winning streak snapped.  The Blazers welcome the Hornets tomorrow.

(Boulder, CO)  --  Derrick White scored 17 of his game-high 23 points in the second half as Colorado upset 10th-ranked Oregon 74-65 in Boulder on Saturday.  Payton Pritchard's 19 points paced the Ducks in defeat.  Oregon had its 17-game winning streak snapped and fell to 19-and-3.  The Ducks will look to bounce back when they welcome Arizona State on Thursday.
 

(Undated)  --  Portland did not fair any better, as they fell to San Diego 68-52 on Saturday.  The loss was the Pilots' eighth in-a-row, dropping them to 9-and-13.  Portland State was clipped 80-77 in overtime by Sacramento to round out a tough weekend for the local squads. 

(Salt Lake City, UT)  --  Also on Saturday, Oregon State lost its ninth-straight, 86-78 to Utah in Salt Lake City.  Stephen Thompson Junior paced the Beavers with 30 points in defeat.  The loss dropped Oregon State to 4-and-18 overall and 0-and-9 in conference play.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The traditional lead-in to the Super Bowl is history for this season, after the AFC defeated the NFC in the all-star clash in Orlando, 20-13.  The Seahawks' Doug Baldwin grabbed a 47-yard touchdown reception from Drew Brees in the second quarter, and finished the game with three catches for 67 yards.  Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman had a second-quarter interception.  In all, seven Seahawks were on the Pro Bowl roster.

 

The Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s team more than likely could be the new number-one rated team in college basketball come Monday. The Zags Nigel Williams-Goss scored 25 points leading his team to a 36-point win at home beating San Diego, 79-43.  Gonzaga is the only undefeated Division one team at 21-and-0. The Zags play at Pepperdine tomorrow night at 7pm televised on ESPN-2.

In the Pac-12….Dillon Brooks returned to the lineup after sitting out a game with a foot injury and 10th ranked Oregon secured a 73-67 win at Utah last night. Brooks scored 19 points to extend the longest win streak in school history to 17 games. Jordan Bell added 15 and Payton Pritchard added 13 lifting the Ducks record to 19-and-2, and 8-and-0 in league play. Oregon moves on to Boulder to play at Colorado Saturday. We’ll have the pregame Show for you with Jerry Allen bouncing your way at 6pm.

Oregon State played Colorado tough but came up short again as the Buffs beat the Beavs, 85-78. It was the first league win for Colorado and Oregon State falls to 4-and-17 and plays at Utah tomorrow.

7th ranked Arizona keeps pace with Oregon as the Wildcats beat Washington State in Tucson, 79-62. The Cats host Washington Sunday, then hit the Oregon Trail next week playing in Eugene one week from tomorrow.
 

On the prep hardwood….#3 Summit maintains first place in the IMC boy’s race as the Storm blasted Bend on the Lava Bears home court last night, 44-29.  Summit improves to 13-and-1 on the season and plays at Ridgeview this evening. Elsewhere…Redmond hosts Mt. View. The girls play at opposite venues.

In other prep action tonight…7th ranked Sisters hosts Elmira, Crook County greets Gladstone, and Madras travels to Corbett.  IN the 3-A division, La Pine heads to Creswell, and in Single-A ball, Gilchrist welcomes North Lake.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Trail Blazers resume their five-game homestand tonight against the Grizzlies.  Portland opened the stand with a 105-98 victory over the Lakers on Wednesday.  The Blazers have won two straight and are ninth in the West at 20-and-27.  Memphis is seventh in the West at 27-and-20.

(New York, NY)  --  Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard will be sitting out this year's NBA All-Star Game.  He was bypassed as a reserve on the Western Conference roster.  The backups were revealed last night after the starters were named last week.  This year's game is February 19th in New Orleans.

(Tucson, AZ)  --  The Portland Timbers will begin exhibition play tonight in Arizona.  They take on the New York Red Bulls at 5:30 p.m. at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson.  It's the first of six preseason games on the slate. The Timbers open regular season play March 3rd at home against Minnesota.

On the prep hardwood….Bend entertains #3 Summit with first place on the line in the IMC tonight in a make-up game that was cancelled during the recent snow storms.  It’s the first of three meetings between the top two teams.

(Boulder, CO)  --  Oregon State plays tonight at Colorado.  The Beavers are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak following Saturday's 69-58 loss to Cal.  OSU is 4-and-16 overall and 0-and-7 in the Pac-12.  The Buffaloes have also lost seven straight and are 10-and-10 overall and 0-and-7 in the Pac-12.

(Salt Lake City, UT)  --  Oregon is on the road tonight at Utah.  The Ducks stretched their winning streak to 12 games with a 69-52 home win over Stanford this past Saturday.  Oregon is 18-and-2 on the season, including 7-and-0 in the Pac-12.  The Utes have won two straight to get to 14-and-5 and 5-and-2.

(Portland, OR)  --  Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum each had 24 points as the Trail Blazers turned back the Lakers 105-98 at the Moda Center.  Mason Plumlee pitched in with 19 points and 13 rebounds for Portland, which is ninth in the West at 20-and-27.  The Blazers host the Grizzlies tomorrow night.
 

Tiger Woods has a new equipment & ball sponsor this season as he tees it up today at PGA Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines outside of San Diego. Woods signed a club deal with Taylormade, and a ball deal with Bridgestone. He had been with Nike and still wears their apparel, but Nike discontinued making golf equipment recently. Woods tees off at 10:40 a.m. for his first PGA round since 2015 alongside reigning Player of the Year Dustin Johnson, and World No. 1 Jason Day.

(Renton, WA)  --  Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, whose knee injury went unreported by head coach Pete Carroll in the second half of the season, says the NFL is being too hard on the team for no reason.  ESPN reported last week that the Hawks' failure to report the injury could lead to the loss of a second-round draft pick.  Sherman says football is a violent game and everyone who plays it gets nicked up.  The "Seattle Times" reports there's no timetable for a decision on the NFL's investigation into the Sherman injury and whether Seattle should have disclosed it.
 

(Tucson, AZ)  --  The Timbers are ready to begin the MLS preseason.  They open the exhibition slate tomorrow in Tuscon, Arizona against the New York Red Bulls.  Portland finished seventh in the Western Conference last season.  The regular season begins Friday, March 3rd at home against Minnesota United.

From the prep court….3rd ranked Summit continues to luster its lead in the IMC improving to 4-0  and 12-and-1 overall with the Storm’s huge 78-26 home court win over Redmond.

Bend keeps pace with Summit as the Lava Bears are 3-and-0 in League after getting by Ridgeview, 41-36.  Thursday night, Bend entertains #3 Summit with first place on the line in the IMC.

7th ranked Sisters scores a HUGE road win at Junction City beating the Tigers, 30-25 to force a three-way tie for the top spot in the Sky-Em Conference. Sutherlin and Cottage Grove are locked up with the Outlaws who will host Elmira, Friday.

Crook County grabs a 51-44 road win at Molalla, only the Cowboys second win of the season. And, Madras lost at Gladstone, 53-45.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers tip a five-game homestand tonight at the Moda Center.  The Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Lakers to Portland.  The Trail Blazers are 19-and-27 overall.  The team will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Portland Trail Blazers' 1977 NBA championship.

(Eugene, OR)  --  University of Oregon President Michael Schill says he is "very upset" with the latest string of problems surrounding the football program.  Schill remains confident in new Ducks head coach Willie Taggart despite three players ending up in the hospital following a workout and co-offensive coordinator Dan Reaves' DUI.  Taggart replaced Mark Helfrich earlier this offseason.

(Undated)  --  Both Oregon and Oregon State men's basketball are back on the hardwood tomorrow.  The Ducks have won 16 in-a-row and visit Utah.  Meanwhile, the Beavers have lost seven straight and meet Colorado in Boulder.  
 

(Tucson, AZ)  --  Former child soccer prodigy Freddy Adu is trying to catch on with the Portland Timbers.  Adu is among the trialists with the Timbers as they open their preseason camp in Tucson, Arizona.  The 27-year-old became the youngest American to sign a major league professional contract in any sport at 14 in 2004.
 

(Seattle, WA)  --  Edgar Martinez says it's "an incredible honor."  The Seattle Mariners have announced the number "11" worn by the legendary designated hitter will be officially retired on August 12th during a ceremony that's part of "Edgar Martinez Weekend."  Martinez, who's the Mariners' hitting coach, will continue to wear number 11 as long as he's with the team.  The number will be on display at Safeco Field next to Ken Griffey, Jr.'s number 24 and Jackie Robinson's number 42, which every major league team retired in honor of Robinson in 1997.
 

On the prep hardwood this evening…#3 Summit boys hosts Redmond, and Bend entertains Ridgeview the I-M-C.

In the 4-A ranks, #7 Sisters heads to Junction City for a key Sky-Em showdown while in the Tri-Valley League, Madras hosts Gladstone for a shot a 2nd place tie, and Crook County visits Molalla. The Girls play at opposite venues.

In 3-A action, La Pine looks to snap a 3-game losing skid hosting Creswell.

Trinity Lutheran ran past Central Christian yesterday by twenty, 49-29 and the Saints host Gilchrist tonight, while Central Christian travels to Paisley in the 1-A Mountain Valley League.

(Eugene, OR)  --  Oregon co-offensive coordinator David Reaves' short tenure in Eugene is coming to an end.  Less than a week after Reaves officially joined Willie Taggart's coaching staff, he will be fired.  The 38-year-old was arrested and charged with DUI, reckless driving and reckless endangerment early Sunday in Eugene.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Trail Blazers open a five-game homestand tomorrow against the Los Angeles Lakers.  The Blazers also host the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks on the stand.  Portland is 19-and-27 following its win over the Boston Celtics on Saturday.

(Renton, WA)  --  Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin is now on the NFC roster for this weekend's Pro Bowl game.  Baldwin will replace Larry Fitzgerald, who won't play because of an injury.  Six other Seahawks are already on the team, including Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner, Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, K. J. Wright, and Jimmy Graham.  The Pro Bowl will be played Sunday in Orlando, with the kickoff set for five p.m. Pacific.

(Corvallis, OR)  --  Slumping Oregon State will have to wait to snap a seven-game losing skid.  The Beavers don't play again until Thursday when they visit Colorado in Boulder.  OSU is 4-and-16 overall and 0-and-7 in conference action.

(Eugene, OR)  --  The 10th-ranked Oregon Ducks are off the hardwood until Thursday.  The Ducks return to the court to visit Utah in Pac-12 play.  Oregon has won a school record 16 straight games and is 18-and-2 overall.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Gonzaga men's basketball team is now 20-and-0 on the season after defeating Portland, 83-64.  It was the second time in three nights the Pilots fell to the Zags.  Rashad Jackson and D'Marques Tyson each scored 15 points for Portland.  The Pilots will visit Pepperdine Thursday night.

(Eugene, OR)  --  The 10th-ranked Ducks broke a 104-year school record with their 16th straight victory, thrashing Stanford 69-52 on Saturday.  The 1912-13 Oregon team held the record with 15 consecutive wins.   Chris Boucher had 16 points and 10 rebounds.  The Ducks take an 18-and-2 record and 7-and-0 in Pac-12 play on Thursday to Utah. The Runnin' Utes are 14-and-5 overall and 5-and-2 in conference play.
 

(Eugene, OR)  --  Ducks co-offensive coordinator David Reaves was arrested and charged with DUI, reckless driving and reckless endangerment early Sunday in Eugene.  Five days after Oregon hired Reaves, plans are underway to fire him. Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens said Reaves has been placed on administrative leave and the process has begun to terminate his contract.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Trail Blazers open a five-game homestand Wednesday at the Moda Center against the Lakers.  Portland snapped a four-game losing streak Saturday, winning 127-123 in overtime at Boston.  C.J. McCollum scored a team-leading 35 points against the Celtics.

(Corvallis, OR)  --  The Beavers fell 69-58 Saturday to California at Corvallis to extend their losing streak to seven games, all in Pac-12 play.   Oregon State is 4-16 overall.  The Beavers will play Thursday at Colorado.  The Buffaloes are also 0-and-7 in conference play and 10-and-10 overall.

(Portland, OR)  --  Deontae North scored 23 points Saturday but it was not enough as the Vikings lost 71-65 to Montana State in Big Sky play at Portland.  Portland State dropped to 11-7 overall and 4-and-3 in conference play  The Vikings next game is on Saturday at Sacramento State.  The Hornets have won three-of-four and are 6-and-12 overall and 3-4 in the Big Sky.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Pilots will have their second showdown in three days with fourth-ranked Gonzaga tonight.  The Zags defeated the same Portland team in Spokane Saturday night, 73-52.  Tonight's game was originally slated for January 7th, but was postponed because of bad weather.  The Pilots will be without their leading scorer, Alec Wintering, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last Thursday.

(Philadelphia, PA)  --  The Blazers face off with the 76ers tonight in Philadelphia.  Portland hopes to end a three-game skid and enters the game at 18-and-26.  The Sixers are 14-and-26 and have won five of their past six games.  Tip-off is at 4 p.m.

Eugene, Ore. -- Jordan Bell had a career-high 26 points as the Ducks won their 15th straight game.

Oregon shot 58 percent from the field to en route to tying the longest winning streak in school history set in 1912-13. Casey Benson went 5 for 5 from 3-point range for a career-high 15 points for the Ducks (17-2, 6-0 Pac-12).

Oregon preseason All-American Dillon Brooks scored 10 points before sustaining a lower left leg injury late in the first half. Brooks collided with a teammate in the first half and didn't return.  The junior is averaging 13.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 rebounds this year.
 

(Renton, WA)  --  There's a report that the Seattle Seahawks could have to forfeit a second-round draft pick because head coach Pete Carroll failed to list cornerback Richard Sherman's knee problem on a team injury report during the season.  Carroll revealed early this week that Sherman was dealing with an MCL injury for the second half of the campaign.  ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that because Sherman never missed playing time during the season, the team feels it shouldn't be severely punished.  The Seahawks are cooperating with the league's investigation.

(Corvallis, OR)  --  Stanford pulled away in the second half as Oregon State lost, 62-46, in Corvallis last night.  Stephen Thompson Junior led the Beavers with 15 points, and Kendal Manuel added 10.  OSU trailed by two at halftime, but couldn't keep up late.  The Beavers are 4-and-15 and host Cal tomorrow.

From the prep scene, just one game to report from last night where Madras boys went over the hill to Molalla for a 65-55 win. The White Buffs are 7-and-5 overall coached by longtime veteran Coach Evan Brown, who is back leading the program. Madras ventures to Estacada for its second league game at Estacada Friday night.

On the docket tonight…2-games in the IMC with 3rd ranked Summit, 9-1, hosting Ridgeview, and Mt. View entertaining Redmond. In the 3-A Mountain Valley, La Pine travels to face league-leading Harrisburg, and the Central Christian Tigers hosts Chiloquin.

(Eugene, OR)  --  Oregon continues Pac-12 action tonight as it battles Cal at home.  The 10th-ranked Ducks are 16-and-2 on the year and are riding a 14-game win streak.  Oregon's last loss was on November 21st to Georgetown.  Cal enters at 13-and-5.  Tip-off is at 6 p.m.

(Charlotte, NC)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers' losing streak is now at three, following last night's 107-85 road loss to Charlotte.  The Hornets pulled away in the fourth quarter to break their five-game losing skid.  Damian Lillard led Portland with 21 points.  The Blazers will visit Philadelphia tomorrow night.

(Cooperstown, NY)  --  Seattle Mariners legend Edgar Martinez won't be part of the latest class inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Martinez received votes among 58-point-six percent of those who cast ballots, and 75 percent is the minimum required for induction.  First baseman Jeff Bagwell, outfielder Tim Raines, and catcher Pudge Rodriguez will be the members of the Class of 2017.  Martinez received his highest percentage of Hall of Fame votes since he was first placed on the ballot in 2010.

(Corvallis, OR)  --  Oregon State is at home tonight as Stanford comes to town.  The Beavers hope to end a five-game losing streak as they sit at 4-and-14 overall and 0-and-5 in Pac-12 action.  Stanford is 10-and-8.  Tip-off is at 8 p.m.

Oregon has suspended new strength and conditioning coach Irele Oderinde without pay for a month, the result of incidents over the last week that left three Ducks football players hospitalized after offseason conditioning workouts.

As of Tuesday evening, Ducks tight end Cam McCormick, a Summit graduate, and offensive lineman Sam Poutasi were still patients at Peace Health Sacred Heart Medical Center in Springfield.

Multiple sources described the workouts akin to military basic training, with one said to include up to an hour of continuous push-ups and up-downs. Former conditioning coach Jim Radcliffe, who had held the position before the hiring of new head Coach Willie Taggart will take over the offseason workouts for the next month.
 

(Eugene, OR)  --  Mario Cristobal is joining Willie Taggart's Oregon coaching staff.  Cristobal leave Alabama after four seasons to become the Ducks co-offensive coordinator and run-game coordinator.  He was rated the nation's top recruiter in 2015.

On the College scoreboard…5th ranked Kentucky got by Mississippi State last night 88-81. #6 Baylor beat Texas by 10, 74-64. IN the Big-10, #17 Wisconsin edged Michigan, 68-64, and 21st ranked Purdue rolls Illinois, 91-68.

The 11th ranked Oregon Ducks, 16-and-2 and 5-and-0 in the Pac-12 play at Cal tomorrow night here on KBND. In the Pac-12 tonight, Washington State hosts Utah at 6pm on the Pac-12 network, followed by the Huskies entertaining Colorado at 8pm on ESPN-U.

(Undated)  --  Oregon and Oregon State men's basketball are back on the hardwood tomorrow.  The 10th-ranked Ducks host Cal in Eugene.  Oregon has won 14 straight to improve to 16-and-2 on the season.  The Beavers welcome Stanford to Corvallis.  OSU has lost five in-a-row to drop to 4-and-14 overall.

The Blazers continue their 4-game trip in Charlotte this afternoon taking on the Hornets. We have the broadcast and tipoff for you here on KBND starting at 4pm. Portland hopes to rebound from the 120-to-101 thrashing they suffered in DC to the Wizards Monday. The Blazers, 18-and-25, have lost three of their last 5, and will move on to Philadelphia Friday.

(Renton, WA)  --  There's a good chance Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable will return to Seattle next season should the 49ers hire Kyle Shanahan as their next head coach.  ESPN reports San Francisco plans to offer the job to Shanahan, who's currently Atlanta's offensive coordinator, after the Falcons' season ends.  Cable interviewed for the 49ers job on Sunday.  Scott Fitterer, who's the Seahawks' co-director of player personnel, is reportedly a candidate to be the 49ers' next general manager.
 

From the NFL…Former Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly has interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars about their vacant offensive coordinator position. Kelly had previously met with Jaguars owner Shad Khan for an open-ended interview, with one possibility being the team's offensive coordinator.

San Francisco fired Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke earlier this month after the 49ers finished 2-14. Kelly spent the previous three seasons in Philly where he led the Eagles to a 27-21 record that included back-to-back 10-and-6 seasons and one playoff appearance.

Villanova is back on top of the College basketball rankings just three weeks after they lost and were bumped out. Nova, 17-and-1, takes over after Baylor lost as the former top-rated team. Baylor slips to number-6. So, it’s Villanova, Kansas, UCLA, Gonzaga, and Kentucky this week’s Top-5.

Baylor, Creighton, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida State round out the Top-10.  

The Oregon Ducks, 16-and-2 and 5-and-0 in the Pac-12 move up two spots to #11. Oregon plays at Cal Thursday night here on KBND. Arizona is rated 14th, and St. Mary’s 23rd. USC dropped out of the Top-25.
 

(Washington, DC)  --  Just miles away from where Martin Luther King Junior delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, the Wizards walloped the Trail Blazers 120-101 at the Verizon Center on MLK Day.  Damian Lillard scored 22 points for Portland, which has dropped back-to-back games. The Blazers visit the Charlotte Hornets tomorrow night.

(Corvallis, OR)  --  Oregon State women's basketball guard Mikayla Pivec is the Pac-12 Freshman of the Week.  Pivec averaged 9.5 points and six rebounds per game as the 11th-ranked Beavers went 2-and-0 last week.  It's her second time this season earning the honor.
 

The Oregon Ducks have nearly completed hiring it’s football staff with new Head Coach Willie Taggart. The Ducks on Friday named Alabama’s Mario Cristobal the new co-Offensive Coordinator along with David Reaves who coached under Taggart at South Florida.

From the Bud Light NFL Playoffs…the Seahawks season came to an end Saturday in Atlanta as the Falcons eliminate Seattle, 36-20. Falcons QB Matt Ryan with 3 TD passes while Russell Wilson finished with 2 scores and 2 picks.

The Falcons meet Green Bay in the NFC Championship as the Packers Mason Crosby kicked a 51-yard field goal in Dallas with no time remaining to beat Dallas, 34-31. Seattle finishes the year, 11-6-and-1.

Yesterday…the Steelers take an 18-16 win over the Chiefs in Kansas City. Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell kicked 6 field goals to win it. The Steelers will travel to New England to face the Patriots in the AFC Title game.

Sunday starts with Atlanta hosting the Packers at Noon on Fox, followed by The Patriots hosting the Steelers on CBS.
 

Moving indoors to High School basketball from Friday night, Sisters beat Sweet Home, 50-25 La Pine raced past Glide, 59-38, Pilot Rock crushed Culver, 62-41. And, in a shoot-out in Crescent, Trinity Lutheran nips Gilchrist, 49-47. North Lake defeated Central Christian, 47-30 Saturday…Coquille stopped La Pine, 56-34. Stanfield beat Culver 89-57. And, Gilchrist bounced back to beat Paisley, 61-36.
 

The Blazers start a 4-game road trip back east in the Nation’s Capital this morning for Martin Luther King Day celebration. Portland takes on the Washington Wizards. The Blazers have won 3 of their last 5 games, and own an 18-and-24 record, and will visit Charlotte, Philly, and Boston before the next home game on the 25th hosting the Lakers.

The Oregon Ducks men’s team crushed Oregon State Saturday night in Eugene at the Civil War hardwood classic, 85-43.Oregon improves to 16-and-2, and now 5-and-0 in Pac-12 play. It’s the Beavers 5th straight loss. Oregon State just 4-and-14.  Thursday night, OSU hosts Stanford and the Ducks greet Cal at 5:30pm here on Newstalk KBND.

(Washington, D.C.)  --  The Trail Blazers are back in action today in the nation's capital against the Wizards.  Portland has lost 15-of-22 road games this year and is 18-and-24 overall.  Washington is 20-and-19, winners of four of its last five games.  Tipoff is set for 11:00 a.m. at the Verizon Center.

(Undated)  --  The Beavers' loss in Eugene was their fifth straight and 10th in their last 11 games.  At 4-and-12 overall and winless in the conference they will look to turn things around when they welcome Stanford to Corvallis on Thursday.  Oregon State is currently alone in last place in the Pac-12.

(Undated)  --  Number-11 Oregon made it 14 wins in a row when they took out Oregon State 85-43 in Eugene on Saturday.  The Ducks improved to 16-and-2 and sit tied atop the Pac-12 with Arizona.  They hit the court again on Thursday when they welcome 13-and-5 California to Matthew Knight Arena.

(Atlanta, GA)  --  Seattle head coach Pete Carroll says despite getting knocked out of the NFC Playoffs by Atlanta, great things are still ahead for the Seahawks.  Carroll says the Hawks faced plenty of ups and downs during the season, but fought and scratched to be in the divisional round of the playoffs and gave themselves a chance to win Saturday.  Defensive end Cliff Avril says the Seahawks' "potential to be great is at an all-time high."  Quarterback Russell Wilson says he doesn't see the loss to the Falcons as a disappointment, but as a step in the right direction.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Blazers play host to the Orlando Magic tonight at the Moda Center.  Portland is seeking its third straight win after knocking off the Cavaliers and Lakers this week.  The Blazers are 18-and-23 on the year.  TIp-off is at 7 p.m.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Pilots have rescheduled their home game against fifth-ranked Gonzaga.  Originally scheduled for January 7th, the game was delayed due to poor weather conditions.  The Pilots will face the Bulldogs at the Chiles Center on January 23rd, two days after playing them in Spokane.  Portland is 9-and-7 after losing to number-21 Saint Mary's last night.

(Eugene, OR)  --  The Ducks and Beavers continue their rivalry as they meet on the basketball court tomorrow in Eugene.  The 11th-ranked Ducks are 15-and-2 on the year, while Oregon State is 4-and-13.  OSU has dropped four straight games while Oregon is riding a 13-game win streak.  Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night.

(Spokane, WA)  --  The Gonzaga men's basketball team remains the nation's last undefeated major-college basketball squad, after coasting by Loyola Marymount, 93-55.  The Zags had six players score in double figures last night, led by Przemek Karnowski's 17 points.  The Bulldogs will host St. Mary's tomorrow night.

(Renton, WA)  --  Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll says defensive end Tony McDaniel is good to go tomorrow against Atlanta after missing the Detroit game because of a concussion.  Carroll says the status of running back C.J. Prosise will be a gametime decision as he continues to recover from a fractured scapula.  Prosise participated fully in practice yesterday.  The Seahawks and Falcons will kick off tomorrow afternoon at 1:35.

On the College Maplewood last night…#8 Creighton led by 20 at halftime and go to beat 12th rated Butler by 11, 75-64.  #11 North Carolina takes a 6-point win at Wake Forest, 93-87. 14th ranked Louisville gets past Pitt,
85-80 after leading by 21 at the intermission. And, Michigan State pounds #24 Minnesota, 65-47.

Busy night in the Pac-12 this evening with 4th ranked UCLA playing at Colorado at 8pm televised on Fox Sports One. #16 Arizona entertains rival Arizona State, Cal hosts Washington, Stanford greets Washington State, and #25 USC is at Utah.

Both the Ducks and Beavers are idle until Saturday night when 13th ranked Oregon hosts Oregon State in the Civil War here on KBND at 7pm.

Elsewhere tonight, 5th Gonzaga looks to improve to 16-and-0 when the Zags host Loyola Marymount. At 8pm on ESPN-U, the Portland Pilots host #21 St. Mary’s.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Blazers won every quarter as they bounced the Cavaliers, 102-86, in Portland.  C.J. McCollum nailed five three-pointers and finished with 27 points to lead the Blazers.  Allen Crabbe added 24 off the bench as Portland won its second straight game.  Damian Lillard scored 14 in the win.  The Blazers host the Magic tomorrow night.
 

(Eugene, OR)  --  The Ducks and Beavers continue their rivalry as they meet on the basketball court on Saturday in Eugene.  The 11th-ranked Ducks are 15-and-2 on the year, while Oregon State is 4-and-13.  OSU has dropped four straight games while Oregon is riding a 13-game win streak.  Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night.

(Eugene, OR)  --  Oregon head coach Willie Taggart continues to add to his staff with the hiring of safeties coach Keith Heyward and strength coach Irele Oderinde.  Heyward, a former Oregon State cornerback, joins the Duck staff after coaching corners at Louisville last season.  Oderinde comes from South Florida, where he was the director of athletic performance since 2014.

(Eugene, OR)  --  Wide receiver Jalen Brown is leaving Oregon.  Brown made the announcement on Twitter, and will finish up his undergraduate degree this spring.  The wideout will pursue his masters at his next school and have two years remaining of eligibility.  Brown will be immediately eligible to play.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  C.J. McCollum scored 25 points as the Trail Blazers trounced the Lakers 108-87 in Los Angeles.  Damian Lillard added 20 points for Portland, which improved to 17-and-23.  The Blazers host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at the Moda Center.
 

(Undated)  --  Oregon and Oregon State men's basketball renew their rivalry on the hardwood on Saturday.  The Ducks have won 13 in-a-row to improve to 15-and-2 overall.  Meanwhile, the Beavers have lost four straight to drop to 4-and-13 on the season.

(Undated)  --  The Washington Huskies remain at number four in the 2016 season's final USA Today college football coaches poll.  Clemson took over the top spot after defeating Alabama Monday night in the CFP National Champion Game.  The Crimson Tide are third, followed by Oklahoma, Washington, and Southern California.  After a season that saw the Huskies make the CFP Playoffs for the first time, Washington will look ahead to its 2017 campaign, which opens at Rutgers on September 1st.
 

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Timbers continue to try and retool their roster.  Multiple reports says the soccer club is interested in Argentine attacking midfielder Sebastian Blanco.  Portland loaned Argentine winger Lucas Melano to Club Atletico Belgrano,  which opened up a designated player spot on their roster that could be used to sign a player like Blanco.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers visit the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.  The Blazers have lost two of their last three games to drop to 16-and-23 overall.  LA is 15-and-26 on the season.  Tip from the Staples Center at 7:30.

(Eugene, OR)  --  Oregon football is close to hiring a new defensive line coach.  CSN Northwest reports the Ducks are trying to lure Joe Salave'a away from Washington State.  Salave'a would join a defensive staff that will be led by new coordinator Jim Leavitt and new head coach Willie Taggart.

(Eugene, OR)  --  Several players are no longer a part of the Oregon football program moving forward.  Defensive end Eddie Heard, receiver Tristen Wallace and linebacker Darrian Franklin are among seven now-former Ducks players who no longer appear on the team's football roster.  Heard, Wallace and Franklin were all accused of crimes last season.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Timbers are making a few transactions.  The soccer club has loaned winger Lucas Melano to Argentine side Club Atletico Belgrano through December 31st.  The Timbers also acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for forward Christian Volesky.

(Undated)  --  Oregon and Oregon State men's basketball renew their rivalry on the hardwood on Saturday.  The Ducks have won 13 in-a-row to improve to 15-and-2 overall.  Meanwhile, the Beavers have lost four straight to drop to 4-and-13 on the season.

(Renton, WA)  --  Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll says running back C.J. Prosise is well enough to return to practice after nursing a broken shoulder blade he suffered in November.  Carroll says fullback Marcel Reece has a sore foot following Saturday's win over Detroit, and it's not clear whether he'll be ready to go against Atlanta.  Carroll says it's not known at this point whether defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, who missed the Detroit game with a concussion, will be able to play against the Falcons.

College football season comes to a close tonight in Tampa Bay with the College Football Playoff National Championship game featuring Alabama and Clemson in a rematch from last year.  Kickoff is 5pm on ESPN. Bama is 14-and-0 and Clemson, 13-and-1. The Crimson Tide is favored by 6½ points.

In other College news, Cal fired Head Coach Sonny Dykes Sunday after 4 years. Dykes leaves with a 19-and-30 record and will be paid $6 million dollars in a buyout. Speculation now turns to Chip Kelly to be a candidate after the 49-ers fired Kelly last week.

Nothing really ‘wild’ about the NFL Wildcard Playoffs over the weekend.
In all 4 games, the home teams won, rather easily.

On Saturday, the Seahawks eliminated the Lions, 26-6. Seattle travels to face Atlanta Saturday at 1:30pm. The Texans bumped the Raiders, 27-14. Houston plays at New England Saturday night at 5.

Yesterday…the Steelers over powered Miami, 30-12. Pittsburgh heads to Kansas City Sunday morning at 10:00am. And, the Packers run away from the Giants, 38-13. Green Bay plays at Dallas Sunday at 1:30pm.
 

On to College hoops where the #15 Ducks improve to 4-and-0 in League play after routing Washington State in Pullman Saturday, 85-66. Oregon, 15-and-2, host the Beavers Saturday night.

Oregon State has lost 4 straight and 9 of their last 10 after the Huskies scored an 87-61 win over OSU Saturday. Last night in the Pac-12, 4th rated UCLA blew past Stanford, 89-75, and Cal edged USC, 74-73.

(Pullman, WA)  --  Number-14 Oregon cruised past Washington State, 85-66, in Pullman on Saturday.  The Ducks outscored Wazzu by 19 in the second half after going into halftime tied at 37.  Chris Boucher hit six threes on his way to 29 points for Oregon, which improved to 15-and-2 and 4-and-0 in the Pac 12.
 

On the prep hardwood….amid all the storms, the IMC season tipped off Friday night and 2nd ranked Summit pasted Redmond, 61-37. The Storm are 9-and-1 on the season. Bend beat Ridgeview, 71-46. Mt. View slipped by Madras in a non-league contest, 59-54. Sisters beat Burns, 45-37, and Sweet Home slammed Crook County, 56-38.

(Seattle, WA)  --  Oregon State couldn't hang with Washington its 87-61 loss on the road on Saturday.  The Beavers have started Pac 12 play 0-and-4 and 4-and-13 overall.  Jaquori McLaughlin and Drew Eubanks each scored 19 points in the loss.
 

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers will get ready to visit the L.A. Lakers tomorrow night after dropping a one-point decision to Detroit in double overtime.  CJ McCollum scored 35 points and Damian Lillard added 20 and grabbed nine rebounds in losing to the Pistons, 125-124.  Tip-off against the Lakers will be at 7:30 tomorrow night.
 

(Eugene, OR)  --  Oregon and Oregon State play the first of two meetings against each other on Saturday in Eugene.  It's a one-game week for both teams.  They close out the season battling in Corvallis on March 4th.

The Intermountain Conference tips off conference play tonight. 2nd ranked Summit boys, 8-and-1 on the year after defeating top-ranked Churchill Tuesday night, open IMC play at Redmond. Bend plays at Ridgeview, and 15th ranked Mt. View has a non-league date at Madras.

Sisters, 8th ranked in the 4-A division travels to Burns while Crook County heads over the hill to Sweet Home. La Pine opens 3-A Mountain Valley League play at Creswell. In the Single-A class, Trinity Lutheran hosts North Lake, and Gilchrist plays at Triad.

The NFL Wildcard Playoffs kick off tomorrow. First up is the AFC with Houston hosting the 12-and-4 Raiders at 130p on ESPN.

At 5pm the Seahawks host the Lions on NBC. Sunday, the Steelers meet the Dolphins, and The Packers host the Giants.
 

Big second weekend of Pac-12 women’s hoops action tonight with half the League rated in the Top-25, but something will give this evening as 16th ranked Oregon State, 13-and-1, plays at #20 Cal at 6pm televised on the Pac-12 Networks. Oregon’s ladies are at #10 Stanford. 9th rated UCLA Lady Bruins at Washington State, while #12 Washington hosts USC, and 19th ranked Arizona State at Utah.

In Men’s play last night…4th ranked UCLA beat Cal by ten, 81-71.
#25 USC goes to 15-and-1 after a 72-56 win over Stanford.
17th ranked Arizona beat Utah 66-56.
Arizona State edges Colorado 78-77.
Elsewhere…#5 Gonzaga downs San Francisco, 95-80. The Zags are 15-and-0. 

And, Santa Clara thumps University of Portland 70-42.

Tomorrow, 15th ranked Oregon will try for its 13th straight win when the Ducks, 14-and-2, play at Washington State here on KBND with the pregame Show at 330pm. Oregon State is in Seattle to face the Huskies at Noon. #17 Arizona hosts Colorado, and Arizona State entertains Utah.
 

(Portland, OR)  --  The Trail Blazers outscored the Lakers by 18 in the second half to run away with a 118-109 win at the Moda Center.  C.J. McCollum, Damian Lillard and Evan Turner keyed the comeback.  McCollum paced Portland with 27 points and seven assists as they improved to 16-and-22.  The Blazers host the Pistons tomorrow night.

(Seattle, WA)  --  Oregon State tries to end a three-game losing streak at Washington tomorrow afternoon.  The Beavers are 0-and-3 in the Pac 12 and 4-and-12 overall.  Washington is 7-and-7 and 0-and-2.

(Pullman WA)  --  Oregon heads to Pullman to take on Washington early tomorrow evening.  The Ducks topped Washington by 21 on Wednesday to improve to 14-and-2 and 3-and-0 in the Pac 12.  Wazzu is 9-and-5 and 2-and-0.

(Renton, WA)  --  The Seattle Seahawks will participate in their 13th playoff game of the Pete Carroll era when they host the Detroit Lions tomorrow night.  Carroll says defensive tackle Tony McDaniel will sit out the contest after suffering a concussion last week in the San Francisco game.  New acquisition Devin Hester will handle returns of punts and kicks, and Carroll says he did well in practice this week.  Tomorrow's game is set to kick off at 5:15.
 

(Portland, OR)  --  The Blazers are hoping to build some momentum after topping the Los Angeles Lakers, 118-109.  CJ McCollum scored 27 points and dished out seven assists last night, and Damian Lillard came back from a sprained ankle to get 21 points and ten assists.  Portland will be back in action Saturday night when they host Detroit.

Mountain View and University of Oregon graduate Ashton Eaton, a 2-time Olympic Gold medal Decathlon champion, and 2-time World Champion and World record-holder is retiring. Eaton, made the announcement yesterday as reported by Oregon Live.

The 28 year old who grew up in La Pine, and later Bend just claimed his second-straight Gold medal in the Decathlon in August in Rio. He also was a 5-time collegiate national champion with the Ducks. His wife, Canadian national champion Brianne Thielsen, also announced her retirement. No word on what Eaton will pursue as his next professional endeavor.

On to College hoops where the nation’s number one rated team Villanova got knocked off losing its first game at Butler, 66-58. 2nd ranked Baylor got a scare holding off Iowa State, 65-63. #8 Dukedefeated Georgia Tech,
110-57.

Closer to home…the Ducks win their 12th straight and get out to a 3-and-0 start in Pac-12 men’s play after running past Washington last night in Seattle, 83-61.

Tyler Dorsey led Oregon with 8 three-pointers to finish with 28 points as the 15th ranked Ducks improve to 14-and-2. The Ducks shot a blistering 52-percent from the field and head to Pullman to meet the Cougars Saturday at 330pm here on KNBD.
 
Meantime, Oregon State is still looking for its first conference win as Washington State beat the Beavers in the Spokane Arena last night,
75-62. Injury plagued OSU has lost 8 of their last 9 games to fall to a League worst record of 4-and-12.

Tonight in the Pac…4th ranked UCLA looks to get back in the win columns hosting Cal at 6pm on ESPN. #25 USC greets Stanford at 8 on the Pac-12 networks. And, 17th ranked Arizona hosts Utah at 7 on Fox Sports One, and Arizona State welcomes Colorado.

Elsewhere, #5 Gonzaga plays at San Francisco at 6pm on ESPN-2. The Zags are 14-and-0. Terry Porter’s University of Portland Pilots are at Santa Clara.

The Blazers trying to shake off some bad times of late, and find a win by ending a 3-game mini-trip ending last night in Oakland against the Warriors.

The Blazers battled hard without the services of Damian Lillard, but the Warriors prevail with a 125-117 win.

Steph Curry scored 35 and Kevin Durant added 30 to lead the Warriors. C.J. McCollum had 35 and all five Portland starters scored in double figures in the loss.

Portland returns home tonight to host the Lakers here on KBND at 730pm

(Seattle, WA)  --  Tyler Dorsey nailed eight three-pointers as number-14 Oregon crushed Washington, 83-61, in Seattle.  Dorsey finished with 28 points as Oregon moved to 14-and-2.  The Ducks held a nine-point lead after halftime and extended it in the second half.  The Ducks visit Washington State on Saturday.
 

(Undated)  --  Two-time Olympic gold medalist Ashton Eaton is retiring from track and field at the age of 28.  Eaton won three NCAA decathlon titles while at Oregon before winning gold in the event at the Rio and Beijing Olympics.  Eaton's wife, former Duck Brianne Theisen-Eaton, is also retiring after winning bronze in the heptathlon in Rio for Canada.  She won three NCAA heptathlon titles at Oregon.

(Spokane, WA)  --  Kendal Manuel's 20 points weren't enough as the Beavers fell to Washington State, 75-62, in Spokane.  Drew Eubanks added 16 points and nine rebounds for Oregon State, which fell to 4-and-12 overall and 0-and-3 in the Pac-12.  The Beavers visit Washington on Saturday night.

(Oakland, CA)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers are losers of 12 of their last 15 games after dropping a 125-117 decision on the road to Golden State.  Steph Curry led the Warriors last night with 35 points, and Kevin Durant added 30.  CJ McCollum led Portland with 35 points as the Blazers again played without an injured Damian Lillard.  The Blazers will host the L.A. Lakers tonight.

(Seattle, WA)  --  The Washington men's basketball team has yet to earn a win in the PAC-12 this season, with its latest loss coming at the hands of the Oregon Ducks, 83-61.  The Huskies couldn't seem to find an answer for Oregon's Tyler Dorsey, who nailed eight three-pointers and finished the game with 28 points.  Freshman Markelle Fultz led Washington with 22 points.  The Huskies will host Oregon State Saturday, and the Ducks will visit Washington State Saturday evening.

Pac-12 men’s league action resumes tonight as the 15th ranked Ducks will look to go to 3-and-0 in the Pac when Oregon takes on the Huskies in Seattle tonight. We’ve got the pregame Show and action, the Ducks and Dawgs for you, with Jerry Allen coming your way at 5:30 p.m. on KBND.

The Ducks are fresh off last week’s conference opening wins over previously unbeaten UCLA and USC. Oregon is 13-and-2 overall…Washington is 7-and-6 heading to tipoff in Seattle.

Meantime, Oregon State looks for its first conference win in Pullman where the Beavers challenge Ernie Kent’s Washington State Cougars. The Beavers are 4-and-11 and the Cougs 8-and-5.

Last night in top-rated action…#3 Kansas edged rival Kansas State,
90-88. #6 Kentucky routs Texas A & M by 42, 100-to-58. Texas Tech scores a huge Big-12 win at home nipping 7th ranked West Virginia, 77-76. North Carolina beat Clemson, 89-86, and Wisconsin a a 75-68 winner at Indiana.

Tonight, #1 Villanova plays at #18 Butler. 2nd ranked Baylor hosts Iowa State. #9 Louisville is at #23 Notre Dame, and Duke hosts Georgia Tech.

On the NBA hardwood tonight, Portland ends its 3-game road swing in Oakland taking on the Warriors at 730pm. The game is nationally televised on ESPN and we’ll join the radio broadcast following the Ducks game.

Golden State has won 3 straight and leads the Pacific Division by 8-games over the Clippers with a 30-and-5 record. Portland is 7-1/2 games out of the Northwest Division lead held by Utah. The Blazers are 15-and-21 coming off Sunday’s 95-89 win at Minnesota.

Portland returns home tomorrow night to host the Lakers here on KBND.

With their first playoff game four days away, the Seahawks are hoping to boost their special teams as Seattle signed veteran returner Devin Hester yesterday. The Baltimore Ravens waived the 34 year old Hester last month after he struggled through injuries. He holds the NFL record with 20 return touchdowns: a record 14 on punts, five on kickoffs and one return of a missed field goal. Hester spent eight years with the Bears and two with Atlanta. The Seahawks host the Lions in the Wildcard Playoffs Saturday.

The weather put a halt to many of the local High School preseason basketball matchups last night in the high desert but the snow didn’t stop top-rated Churchill of Eugene from making the trip to Summit.

Karson Klecker led the Storm with 14-points and 7 rebounds as #7 Summit knocks off Churchill, 57-54. Summit improves to 8-and-1 and opens IMC play at Redmond Friday night.

Meantime, Summit High School is looking for a new head football coach after Joe Padilla made it official that he is stepping down after 10 years. Padilla led the Storm to a State Title last year, and a 21-and-3 record the past two seasons.

(Pullman, WA)  --  The Beavers continue their conference schedule tonight at Washington State.  Oregon State has dropped back-to-back games and seven of its last eight overall.  OSU is 4-and-11, while the Cougars are 8-and-5 overall.  Tipoff from Pullman at eight o'clock.

(Oakland, CA)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers visit the Golden State Warriors tonight.  Portland has won two of its last three games to improve to 15-and-21 overall.  The Blazers are 0-and-2 against the Warriors this season and are losing by an average of 34 points per game.  The Dubs are a NBA-best 30-and-5 overall.  Tip from Oakland at 7:30. KBND will join the game immediately following the Oregon at Washington game.

(Seattle, WA)  --  Oregon is on the road tonight in Pac-12 play.  The 14th-ranked Ducks visit Washington in Seattle.  Oregon is 2-and-0 in conference action and has won 11 in-a-row to improve to 13-and-2.  The Huskies are 7-and-6 overall.  Pre-game show at 5:30 from U-W.

(Seattle, WA)  --  Three University of Washington juniors intend to join wide receiver John Ross in declaring early for the NFL Draft.  UW has announced that safety Budda Baker, cornerback Sidney Jones, and defensive lineman Elijah Qualls will forego their senior seasons and declare for the draft.  Baker was a consensus first-team All-America in 2016, while Jones was a first-team All-PAC-12 selection.  Qualls also earned first-team All-PAC-12 honors.

(Undated)  --  After losing his second NFL head coach position in as many seasons, Chip Kelly is keeping his options open.  Kelly tells FOX Sports he "wouldn't rule anything out," and would consider taking an assistant coach position as an offensive coordinator.  The 53-year-old went 28-and-35 in four seasons at the NFL level after leaving Oregon.

(Renton, WA)  --  The Seahawks are reportedly set to sign longtime kick returner Devin Hester.  Fox Sports reports Hester will sign today and ESPN reports undrafted rookie safety Tyvis Powell would be waived to make room on the 53-man roster for Hester.  The Hawks are looking to shore up their return game following the loss of Tyler Lockett  for the remainder of the season with a broken right leg.  Hester was drafted in the second round by Chicago in 2006, making All-Pro and being elected to the Pro Bowl multiple times.

The NFL Playoffs are set with the Wildcard games this coming weekend.
New England, Dallas, Atlanta, and Kansas City all earning 1st Round byes.

Saturday, The Houston Texans host the Raiders at 4:30, followed by the Seahwaks entertaining the Detroit Lions. Then, Sunday it’s The Steelers hosting Miami, and The Packers greeting the New York Giants.

Superbowl-51 is set for Sunday, February 5th in Tampa Bay.

College Basketball Pac-12 league play continues tomorrow night with Oregon playing at Washington here on KBND at 530pm, and the Beavers are in Pullman taking on Washington State.

The Ducks move up 7-spots in this week’s Associated Press rankings after Oregon handed both UCLA and USC their first losses of the year. The Ducks, 13-and-2, are now ranked 15th.

Villanova continues to top the Poll followed by Baylor, Kansas, UCLA, and Gonzaga up to number-5.  The Arizona Wildcats are ranked 17th, St. Mary’s 19th and USC at #25.
 

Prep basketball resumes tonight after the New Year weekend, and The 7th-ranked Summit boys host top-ranked Churchill tonight at 7pm.

Elsewhere, Bend tries to end 4-game losing skid hosting The Dalles.

Ridgeview is scheduled to venture south to play Eagle Point, and Redmond visits 4A Sisters. La Pine hosts Henley, Culver ventures to Wasco County and Trinity Lutheran treks to Butte Falls, weather permitting.

The Blazers close out a 3-game mini-road trip in Oakland tomorrow night taking on the Warriors at 7:30pm televised nationally on ESPN. KBND will join the game right after the Oregon at Washington game. Portland is 0-and-2 against Golden State on the year after losing by 45 in the last meeting December 17th.

(Seattle, WA)  --  Oregon is on the road tomorrow in Pac-12 play.  The 14th-ranked Ducks visit Washington in Seattle.  Oregon is 2-and-0 in conference action and has won 11 in-a-row to improve to 13-and-2.  The Huskies are 7-and-6 overall.

(Eugene, OR)  --  Oregon forward Dillon Brooks is earning some honors for his big-time performances last week.  Brooks was named the Pac-12 Player of the Week and the NCAA.com National Player of the Week.  He averaged 25.5 points per game in two victories, and nailed the game-winning shot over then-second-ranked UCLA.

(Oakland, CA)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers visit the Golden State Warriors tomorrow night.  Portland has won two of its last three games to improve to 15-and-21 overall.  The Blazers are 0-and-2 against the Warriors this season and are losing by an average of 34 points per game.

(Pullman, WA)  --  The Beavers continue their conference schedule tomorrow night at Washington State.  Oregon State has dropped back-to-back games and seven of its last eight overall.  OSU is 4-and-11, while the Cougars are 8-and-5 overall.

(Renton, WAS)  --  The Seahawks are seven-and-a-half-point favorites in this Saturday's Wild Card playoff game against the Lions in Seattle.  The Seahawks nailed down the third seed in the NFC playoffs when they defeated San Francisco on Sunday.  Seattle has an impressive eleven and two record at home in playoff games over the years.  Kickoff is slated for 5:15 Saturday evening.
 

The 7th ranked Summit boy’s basketball team won the Les Schwab Tires Holiday Tournament Friday night which the Storm hosted beating Sherwood, 61-44, to improve to 7-and-1. The Storm entertains top-ranked Churchill tomorrow night before tipping off I-M-C league play Friday at Redmond.

Just 4 of the 44 Bowl games remain in college football, plus the National Championship game from Tampa Bay.  One week from tonight, It will be top-rated, unbeaten, and defending champion Alabama meeting Clemson once again for all the marbles.  The national Semfinals Saturday saw Bama smash the Washington Huskies, 24-7 in the Peach Bowl, and #2 Clemson blanked the Buckeyes, 31-zip in the Fiesta Bowl.

Today, USC faces Penn State in the Rose Bowl at 2pm on ESPN followed by The Sugar Bowl featuring Oklahoma and Auburn. The morning starts with the Outback Bowl with Florida meeting Iowa, then the Cotton Bowl where 8th ranked Wisconsin faces #15 Western Kentucky who is 13-and-0.

On the college hardwood…the Oregon Ducks opened Pac-12 play with a sweep of #2 UCLA, and 22nd ranked USC over the weekend handing both the Bruins and Trojans their first losses of the season. Oregon, 13-and-2, has won 11 straight and travels to Washington Wednesday night.

Oregon State is still struggling…the Beavers drop two games to to the L-A schools. The Beavers take their 4-and-11 record to Pullman Wednesday night to face Washington State in The Palouse.

The 22nd ranked Oregon State women won its 10th straight game downing #8 Washington last night, 73-70. The 13-and-1 Beavs travel to take on #21 Cal Friday. Meantime, The Lady Ducks drop two games over the weekend losing to the Huskies and Cougars to open league play. Seven Pac-12 women’s teams are rated in the Top-25 beginning the new year.

The NFL regular season came to a close yesterday and the 49-ers have fired both GM Trent Balke (ball-key) and Head Coach Chip Kelly. Kelly is out after just one year and a 2-and-14 record, and will be paid the 3 years remaining on his contract. The Seahawks nipped SF yesterday, 25-23. Seattle will host the Lions in the A-F-C Wildcard playoff Saturday at 5pm. The Raiders travel to Houston. The Patriots are the #1 seed in the AFC, and the Cowboys are tops in the NFC.

(Seattle, WA)  --  Oregon hits the road to face Washington on Wednesday.  The 21st-ranked Ducks ran their winning streak to 11 with an 84-61 victory over USC last Friday.  Oregon also improved to 13-and-2 with the win.

(Minneapolis, MN)  --  The Trail Blazers overcame a 14-point deficit for a 95-89 win over the Timberwolves in Minnesota.  C.J. McCollum scored a career-high 43 points is Portland, which improved to 15-and-21.  The Blazers visit the Warriors Wednesday.

(Renton, WA)  --  The NFL playoff schedule is set, and the third-seeded Seahawks will host Detroit this Saturday night.  Seattle missed out on a second seed and a first-round bye when Atlanta defeated New Orleans yesterday.  The Seahawks did their part by beating San Francisco, 25-23, ending the regular season with a 10-5-1 record.  Kickoff Saturday at Safeco Field is set for 5:15 p.m.

(Pullman, WA)  --  Oregon State will also be on the road to square off with Washington State on Wednesday.  The Beavers suffered a 76-63 loss to UCLA their last time out last Friday.  OSU is just 4-and-11 overall.