SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
This past weekend was a big one in the sports world.
First up, we have Super Bowl LVIII, or 58, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The matchup to determine the best in the National Football League pitted the defending NFL and AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs against the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers. Four years ago, the Chiefs beat the 49ers 31-20 for the title.
This year, it was a tense game that came down to the wire. After some tough defense from both teams throughout the contest, the scoring opened up with SF kicker Jake Moody setting a Super Bowl record with a 55 yard field goal to make the score 3-0. Later on, wide receiver Jajuan Jennings threw a TD pass to Christian McCaffrey to give the 49ers a 10-0.
Kansas City would eventually wake up, as they would get in position for a Harrison Butker 57 yard line drive FG that broke Moody’s brief record, and then another one before halftime to make the score 10-6 at the break. Both teams could have done more damage but were stymied by fumbles.
The third quarter saw a Mahomes interception that led to no damage, but a costly Niners muffed punt that led to KC QB Patrick Mahomes connecting with Marques Valdez-Scantling on a TD, making it 13-10. San Fran would answer with QB Brock Moody tossing a TD pass to Jennings, but Moody’s extra point would be blocked, making it 16-13 instead of 17-13, a costly mistake. Both teams would trade field goals before the end of regulation, heading into overtime at 19-19.
San Francisco won the toss and took the ball. Although they got a field goal to take a 22-19, Mahomes proved why he was elite, and Moody was just a game manager. He made big plays, something Moody could not do, including a 4th down conversion to keep the game alive. Then, with three seconds left, Mahomes connected with former NY Jet Mecole Hardman to win the big game 25-22. Mahomes took MVP honors, going 34-46 for 333 yards, one INT but two TDs, including the game winner.
This marked the Chiefs third title in five games, which legitimately makes them a dynasty. As for the 49ers, they have now lost their last three SB appearances after starting out 5-0.
In college basketball, the Seton Hall women’s team won a key Big East game at Walsh Gym. Freshman Savannah Catalon scored a season high 21 points, leading Seton Hall to an 86-62 win over Xavier. Sophomore Micah Gray had 16 points, including four 3-pointers, while Azana Baines had 12 points, three steals and two blocks, and Kae Satterfield added 10 points and seven rebounds. The Lady Pirates are 14-10 and 6-7 in the Big East conference standings.
As for the men’s team, Seton Hall beat Georgetown at the Prudential Center 76-70. Dre Davis gave the Hall 25 points and 10 rebounds, Kadary Richmond scored 20 points and Orange native Elijah Hutchins-Everett had 9 points and 7 rebounds. Leading Georgetown was East Orange native Supreme Cook with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Next up for sports is the NBA All-Star Weekend. First, the skills competition will feature – Team Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Turner. Team Top Picks: Paolo Banchero, Magic; Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves; Victor Wembanyama, Spurs. Team All-Stars: Scottie Barnes, Raptors; Tyrese Maxey, 76ers; Trae Young, Hawks.
For the 3-Point Shootout: Malik Beasley, Bucks; Jalen Brunson, Knicks; Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers; Damian Lillard, Bucks (defending champ); Lauri Markkanen, Jazz; Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers; Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves; Trae Young, Hawks.
Finally, the Dunk contest participants: Jaylen Brown, Celtics; Jaime Jaquez Jr., Heat; Mac McClung, G League (defending champ) Jacob Toppin, Knicks.
Rounding out the weekend is the All-Star Game on Feb. 18, with the East taking on the West.
