76ers Top nets 115-90, and hang the playoffs (AP)

Philadelphia-Thaddeus Young has 22 points, Elton Brand had 21, and the Philadelphia 76ers winning a playoff with a 115-90 on the New Jersey NET win Friday night.

Jrue Holiday registered 17 points and Andre Iguodala had 14 lead the Sixers to the playoffs after an absence of one year. The Sixers won 27 games the season last as Eddie Jordan and long rebuilding process appeared on the horizon.

Enter coach Doug Collins. He is out of the TNT broadcast booth the Sixers in winners. The Sixers were up 37-23 since the beginning of a 3-13 and may end up with a positive sheet for the first time since 2004-2005. Philadelphia has not won a series of playoffs since 2003.

Brandan Wright had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the net, who lost their fifth straight game.

Mark is set for its first playoff since it for the Clippers played in 2005-2006. He signed an $ 80 million, five year contract with the summer 2008 as the anticipated missing piece that would change the Sixers in suitors. Instead, he missed most of his first season in Philly with a shoulder injury and has not played in the loss of their game in Orlando.

Winger gets his chance now with a team of the Philadelphia currently have seed No.. 6 of the Conference is.

The Sixers of care they do not play in the team. A roster led by 20 usually has a topic of growing confidence in the playoffs.

Nets top Avery Johnson called Young, one of the sixth coach in the NBA, MVP of the Sixers. It would be difficult to argue the winger who has grown under Collins. There are at least 21 points marked in each of the last three games and home of the play of the game in the third.

Connected Iguodala a pass in transition to a young streaks for the alley-oop and a advance 80 - 59. Lou Williams hit a 3 on the next possession and retirement was booming.

Iguodala has led the Sixers with a point 12 of the first quarter. He shook the left knee tendinitis and hamstring woes to have his best season in the individual general competition. Against the net, Iguodala got his points at the beginning, and then let his teammates to treat most of the notation. He had also seven assists.

The Sixers erased the nets in the first half strong shooting (54%) and only three rotations. By the fourth, the minutes of garbage-time became a dunk contest for the deep reservations. This group included starter night Jason Kapono opening and 2010 No. 2 overall draft Evan Turner. Turner is buried at the Bank and should not play in the playoffs.

Turner was drafted to team with holiday for a rear lines to help the Sixers to respectability.

Unlike Turner, made his day of the party. He had seven assists and 6 rebounds, and the Sixers are marked fire had on the 60 per cent of the floor deep mark in the fourth quarter.

It was a terrible night for the net. Deron Williams scored only four points in 23 minutes.

Notes: the Sixers were 43-39 in 2004-2005. ... The Sixers had winning records in each of the past four months (December_March), their longest streak since the season 2000-01. ... Mario West became the 22nd player to play for the nets this season, the team of. Record of New Jersey for most of the players used in a season is 23.

Fredette BYU, Notre Dame de Brey get awards AP (AP)

Jimmer Fredette-HOUSTON was a star of a single name in his last season at BYU.

The country in scoring position helped on a team from the second half of the season ranked in the top 10.

Friday, Fredette - excuse me; Jimmer - was selected Associated Press player of the year.

"It is quite a turn and it is very fun and I would not repeat anything, Fredette a."I had quite the career at BYU."" "There were many ups and downs, but there were many more ups this year".

The Cougars won the title in the regular season Mountain West Conference and San Diego State lost in the last tournament. A seed of no. 3 in the NCAA tournament, they lost to Florida in overtime in eighths and is finished with a record of 32-5.

"I knew from the beginning we can be a very good year with the boys to come back, and it is one of the most talented teams that I've ever played on," said Fredette, who was averaging 28.5 points. "When we started to play well and beat Arizona, and I knew from there that we could be a force." This is what has happened because we stayed hungry throughout the year, and it is that we separated from the other teams. »

Our Lady of Mike Brey was selected coach of the year as he led the Irish in fighting a second place finish in the Big East and not. 5 ranking in the last survey.

"The personality of this group was so stable or it is a great victory or a loss, they have remained stable," said Brey, who spent eleven seasons at notre-Dame. "When she had great victories no change." If they had a heavy loss do not change. "Stable is the word".

Fredette received 48 votes in the 65-member national media panel which selects the weekly Top 25. Right to vote was made before the NCAA tournament.

Kemba Walker of Connecticut was second with 11 votes. Nolan Smith of the Duke had five and Jared Sullinger in the State of Ohio one.

"To see the Jimmer progress and a leader of his team that his legacy will be basketball," said BYU coach Dave Rose. "It is pushed not only the best player, it may be, but is how he has helped his teammates to win." He has always found a way. This is what I remember most.

Fredette is the first BYU player to win the award and the first West of the mountain since Andrew Bogut for Utah in 2005.

Next to the project of Fredette NBA 6-foot-3.

"I have the impression that, as long as I get in a good situation can I can succeed, but this is the situation", he said. "I hope, if I were in this situation I will prove that I can play and the respect of my teammates, coaches and General Manager, worldwide involved and I hope that playing well for them.".

BREY in the fight against the Irish 27-7 record, their victories of second most in a season. Their brand of 14-4 in Big East tied their record for Conference WINS. Notre Dame has been a seed No. 2 Florida State, NCAA tournament lost in the third round.

BREY attracted by 28 votes, 14 more than finalist Steve Fisher of San Diego State.

BREY is the first Notre Dame coach to win the award, and it is the second straight Big East coach to obtain after Jim Boeheim of Syracuse last year.

A tournament early in the season in Orlando, Florida, so-called Brey that he had the makings of a good team.

""I made sure that cut us nets in Orlando and said Disney people"We Don ' t" I said ' do you this year. "Get a scale". As independent for as long that we do not have many chances to break down the nets. The large image and for this year. Boost was enormous confidence. »

Larry Dixon leads qualifying (AP) the top fuel

Champion high season of fuel of the LAS VEGAS - protection Larry Dixon has led to the lead Friday qualifying in nationals SummitRacing.com NHRA at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Dixon, which led to one of its twelve season victories on the work of last year, had a second 3.904 run lead mph 312.78 eligible order in the category of 7,000 horsepower.

Cruz Pedregon led the funny car field and Mike Edwards topped the Pro Division of Stock.

Pedregon edges season 15-time champ John Force for the first place with a race, 306.19 located in his Toyota Camry. Winning defensive event that was second to 4169 and 304.25 in a Ford Mustang.

Edwards took a down nearly 205.63 in a Pontiac GXP.

Penn, fight Fitch to draw on UFC 127 (AP)

SYDNEY-BJ Penn and Jon Fitch fought a draw of majority Sunday to cfu 127, second major of the UFC Show in Australia.

Michael Bisping arrested English Middleweight Jorge Rivera at the beginning of the second series event with a whirlwind brutal punches, intimidated co-main subsequently his opponent pinned Acer Arena.

The former champion of the division of the two Penn (16-7-2) spent most of the fight fighting near the cage with Fitch, who has only lost once in the past seven years. Fitch (26-3-1) is specialized in grinding of the victories, and he posted a third round dominant after injured Penn Fitch the nose in the second round.

Two judges scored the bout as a tie, a third favourite of Fitch 29-28. The two fighters say they open for a revenge.

"I came back and ready to go out on top," said Fitch. "I think I have enough at least to win a split decision.". ... I was looking for him to be, counterbox and counterwrestle. It was a great game plan, and he threw me. It was not until the second round to go together. »

Veterans spend most of the first two rounds nearly on the struggle of the Octagon, but Penn appeared to get the best out of most of the exchanges. Penn that also Fitch bloody nose with an elbow in the second round.

Fitch took Penn on the Web within seconds of the opening of the third, and then spent every round punches Regents in the custody of the Penn. Calls the monotonous action huées of the crowd, but the grinding victories are the specialty of Fitch, based in San Jose.

Penn is a world weight welterweight back after losing his lightweight title to Frankie Edgar last year. Penn recognized with visible frustration on his face that he expected to lose a decision.

"I believe that I have some a dominant position in the first and the second, but he struck my ass in the third," Penn said. "I think that I was not really what I was going to do with my career that I lost this luttemais given that the gods were nice to me and gave me a draw with the fate, if he wants to do again"I think we do it again. »

The bolt was unsatisfactory that the second draw in a major event of the UFC in less than two months, the following Edgar draw with Gray Maynard in a lightweight title on the day of new year's end.

Bisping (22-3) lost about his fight by disqualification in the first round after illegally kept give knee Rivera (18-8) in the face while his opponent on the canvas knelt.

Silver light German Dennis surprised the crowd of Sydney with a unanimous decision on George Sotiropoulos the Australia, which is unbeaten in eight UFC fighting.

UFC 127 took place Sunday afternoon in Sydney for a Saturday night of broadcast in North America. The map was the second sellout UFC in the arena, the current heavyweight Cain Velasquez champion victory in February last the UFC 110.

Bisping and Rivera landed in the days before their end, almost come beating on the roads to and refuse to touch their combat gloves. After Rivera twice in the opening minutes, shaken Bisping Rivera with a patently illegal knee with 2: 15 left in the round, Rivera directing to the Octagon.

Although Rivera have resumed in the fight, he fought to follow Bisping packaging and combinations.

While Rivera still on the canvas after the battle, Bisping has tried to confront him again, shouting, "Apologize!" for what felt disparaging Bisping about his father.

"I am a sensitive boy, so I apologize for losing control, perhaps," said Bisping. "I never said anything bad on it, but it came with all of these things."

SOTIROPOULOS had the home crowd firmly behind him, but Silver (18-7) hit him several times in the first round, in particular, he senseless dropping back with a left hook. SOTIROPOULOS (14-3) survived and came back strong in the second round, but money based in Mannheim has more damage in a convincing decision, General win 30-27, 30-28, and 29-28.

SOTIROPOULOS had not lost since October 2006, when he was disqualified for a strike at 5 seconds in a bolt in the promotion of Shooto. It is not to extend its series of new fighting in the UFC, which would have been the second longest streak in the history of the UFC.

"It was very strong," Sotiropoulos said. "He threw a few shots heavy has argued that, and I felt that their.". My plan was to continue to fight and take them down, but he defends well. His defence was really good, and the leg was a little slippery at the time, it was difficult to get a good grip on it. »

Earlier, Kyle Noke beat Chris Camozzi with a rear naked choke just 95 seconds in the first combat on the diffusion of television in the map of the Australia and Brian Ebersole won his UFC debut after more than 60 fighting previous prodisrupt Chris Lytle UFC veteran with a unanimous decision.

Winners of Houston Kim, Wagner camps again (AP)

Humble, Texas-course knowledge is important in the Houston Open.

Rookie PGA Tour Chris Kirk shot a 3-under 69 Friday to take a stroke a cerebral advance on defending champion Anthony Kim and winner 2008 Johnson Wagner after two rounds at Redstone.

Kirk was 9 - under the by and played his last few holes as the wind picked up in the afternoon and makes it difficult to mark.

Kim and Wagner took advantage of calm morning conditions and their background used on the route to move the submission. Kim shot a 64, the lowest round of the day, and Wagner had a 67.

"I have very good feelings as soon as I step on the property here," said Wagner.

Padraig Harrington, first round leader Jimmy Walker and Josh Teater were two back shots at 7 under.

Organizers provided the course of the tournament at Redstone to simulate conditions that will see players to master the next week, and the establishment has attracted many of the best players in the world in Houston.

Phil Mickelson (70) and Lee Westwood (72) were part of a large group 4 slots and Ernie Els (72) and Fred Couples (72) were among the players to 1.

Kim tries to be the first winner, back to back of the event as Vijay Singh won in 2004 and ' 05, the last two years he played on one side of the course members.

The tournament-course host was in 2006, and Kim had almost every visit.

Before he turned Pro, Kim was the only player to break by winning an event collegiate here in 2006. It is fifth in the Houston Open as a rookie in 2007 Tower and fired three shells of sub - 70 year last to win her third career victory.

"It helps," said knowing that I was playing well before, knowing that I made a few rolls when it mattered, it. "I had a few shots that are similar, some rolls that I are very similar, so I try to remember these things and play.

64 Of Kim was four strokes better than his lower tower when he won last year.

From the back nine, Kim made six birdies in his first 10 holes, including the chip-ins on our 12 and 16. He needed only 22 rolls on equal lowest turn since January.

Before the tournament, Kim said that its major re-engineering required swing and that he spent a few days in collaboration with Adam Schreiber coach for changes. Happy Kim work already produced results.

"It feels a lot of this sense of confidence and to go, a few good golf swings and perhaps a few wraps after that, said Kim."

Wagner feeling a more emotional connection with Redstone, after obtaining his first victory of the tour here three years ago. He needs to win this week to qualify for the Masters, but says major next week has defended sentence.

A resident of Charlotte, Wagner is the tournament at Quail Hollow near his house and everything important that every year, he played Houston event.

"There are a few events regular tour that I love", he said. "Houston and Charlotte will be always my two events preferred that we play."

Kirk has general information on Redstone, too. He played for the Georgia and participated in the collegiate even event Kim won in 2006.

"I think he loves the course," said Kirk. "I shot a lot of 74 s or SW, nothing very memorable."

Second, Kirk, birdied on the list of money Nationwide Tour last year, two of his last three holes the pure and simple shows the way to a double bogey on the by-5-4.

"I made a bad swing off the tee, and it is not yet really bad," Kirk said. "One of these things." Any measure you play, that kind of thing sometimes happens. »

Harrington was also threatened, after briefly Binder for lead early Friday. He made three straight bogies on the back nine to withdraw, then reached the 8th by-5 in two shots to set up an eagle to go back to 7 below.

"Just I fell asleep," said Harrington, sporting a beard this weekend because he has forgotten to seize a razor. "I really the type of road down the hatches for the last few holes, trying not to make too many mistakes after I lost my way."

Note average for players who started in the morning (71.46) has been more than two shots better than the average for players who are late in the day (73.78 CertainTeed).

"As the wind picked up, the ground got really powerful," Kirk said. "You need to be a little more cautious, do really think your way".

Former President George H.W. Bush considered first a golf cart handles and welcomes the Mickelson and couples as they left Greens. Bush regularly attends major sporting events in Houston, where he lives.

Lewis extends lead to hot tour at Kraft Nabisco (AP)

RANCHO MIRAGE, California – Stacy Lewis persevered with more desert heat to shoot a 3 - under 69 at Kraft Nabisco Championship Friday, an advance of three-stroke on Yani Tseng, Brittany Lincicome and Jane Park open.

Lewis was 9 - slot after several big rolls in the cool second round, meet halfway to first major position of the LPGA Tour to hunt for his first victory.

Michelle Wie shot a 67, matching best round of the day. She is six back shots in the running for his first major title.

Tseng, the title and player of head of the world champion, shot a 68.

All leaders can thrive dry, green fast for a day in the second place without wind in Mission Hills, with temperatures topping 100 degrees in the afternoon.

Get defensive of the target for the two Butler, VCU (AP)

HOUSTON - that Butler and VCU proudly wear the same small Conference, lovable underdog tag is easily recognizable.

Less clear is their dedication shared the non-sexy practice of ruthless, aggressive defence - since long a game trade mark Butler, but much more than a surprising end season of operation development, award of Rams.

"This is what has brought us here." For five consecutive matches, play great defense "LCA before Jamie Skeen said Friday." "" If we major defence against play Butler once more, we can probably come with victory. »

Eighth seed Butler (27-9) plays VCU, from "first four" Final oven national semifinal Saturday night.

"It is more challenging because you everyone looks their defence knows, although they are, said the leader of the LCA Joey Rodriguez." "" We want to come and try to prove to people that we can defend as they play.

Virginia Commonwealth (28-11) dream team is a shooter, a complete list of guys who think that they are in range which, once the bus approaching the arena. (It is no coincidence TV analyst Steve Kerr for the Rams for a competition of shooting during training last weekend southwest regional.)

The Rams this year 895 3-pointers were launched - no, this is not a fault of printing - and shot an incredible 44% of long distance only to the NCAA tournament. They have finished with 12 3 s on three of its five games, with Brandon Rozzell doing six on its own against Georgetown and Bradford Burgess is similarly against the State of Florida.

But not error LCA for the Globetrotters.

The Rams are available exactly of Wisconsin, ranking 238th (from 336 teams) in the defence field goal and 134e in defence scoring. They 298th in the margin to rebounds. They are still in the Final Four because they cut off the Southern California, Georgetown, Florida State and Purdue before carry Kansas seeded at the top of the page.

The Jayhawks, the head of the country team, once managed just 61 points during the filming of 35.5 General and 9.5% of 3 points throughout the season lows. After not by more than two points behind the whole tournament, abandoned Kansas with 17 for the rest.

Overall, Virginia Commonwealth is therefore an average of 62 points less than their season average in the tournament, almost five. They hold opponents to 39 percent shooting, well below their average season of 44%.

"They keep balance teams," said Matt Howard, Butler leading scorer and rebounder. "Need to prepare for the multiple looks." They will print. They play a little of the area. So, they have a good cyber war. I think that when you are really mark the ball really well, also, that gives you the defensive energy. I think that you can make an argument that they scored as well as anyone.

"When you are able to enter these different defenses and mark, I think that really helps their defence."

If anyone knows that it is Butler.

The Bulldogs are one of the fundamental teams healthier in the game - these are the guys in the gymnasium where "hoosiers play" was filmed, after all. They can learn, and they do very well. Howard shoot 49%, while Andrew Smith, a nearly 9 points a game average is 62% shooting.

But they came within 2 points of the Championship year last thanks to frankly unpleasant defence. Butler is closed off the coast of the K-State Jacob Pullen final regional, he questioned in 4-of-13 shooting and four turnovers. The State of Michigan in 16 turnovers in the final four harassed and zero allowed - nada zilch, zip, - fast break points.

And when the season Bulldogs was on the edge of this year with three straight and four or five games landslide losses, defence, not attack, these things turn around.

"We've really focused on the defensive end of the word," said Howard. "We were not guarding the way which us had normally, and I think it was really important for us to come back to that.".

Butler now has 13 best straight, one past four teams won. He was give a unfortunate points 59.6 during stretch, an average of almost eight points better than the average through the first 23 games of the season. Only two teams have obtained 70% or more from Butler, both in the NCAA tournament streak.

Also outrebounded the Bulldogs Old Dominion, best team of the nation on the glass, 32-29 in the second round.

"Butler is probably the defensive team more difficult we will give all year, said Burgess.".

What can I say something, consider that the LCA Florida State, leave the country in field goal defense, in the South West regional semi-finals played.

"Butler is much more healthy. "They are going to each type of defensive mistakes," said coach Shaka Smart LCA. "We have to get in the paint and not always to turn the ball." We came to touch the paint. We need the additional password on the circumference. We should use shot fakes. You end up with force.

"Something that large defensive teams all have in common is that they are very physical, they aggressively." If you are not the fight to take, then you'll be in for a long night. »

The first one to 60 get to play for the title.

Calhoun, Calipari has never really see eye to eye (AP)

HOUSTON person-will dispute that they are great coaches and the most recent evidence is located in the teams that they have led to the Final Four this year.

No one will argue that John Calipari and Jim Calhoun Saints, either.

Men on the sidelines for the Final Four of Kentucky-Connecticut confrontation have had their share of problems - with others, the programs they run and the NCAA.

They are a microcosm of what is right and wrong in NCAA - a game based on the coach where good leaders programs and players to a new level may raise, but road to product success often its just part of the cringeworthy deal.

Calipari leads the fourth seeded Wildcats (29-8) against Calhoun and third-seeded Huskies (30-9) in the second semifinal Saturday. The two coaches convinced a reversal of their teams of young people, who have difficulties in unexpected trip to the biggest stage of the game, the third and fourth for Calipari for Calhoun.

On the eve of the game have their history as dynamic a topic as the success of their teams.

One of the first questions that Calipari fielded was the Friday or it is the former coach Jerry Tarkanian UNLV 2000 version, a coach which many win at his time, but he made with his phone number is firmly anchored on the dial of the speed of the NCAA.

The question dragged the Wildcats bus also gently as good Kentucky bourbon.

"I respect all Jerry done - his children, how they played, all these things," Calipari said. "But, no, I think that I 2011 John Calipari.". I don't know what that means, and I hate to speak in the third. "But I am who I am."

Unlike Calhoun Calipari has no qualms about how many of its players were surprisingly short career and, indeed, to see that somehow a feather in his Cap. Recruits there best players, just as quickly - replaces goodbye John Wall, Hello Brandon Knight - and gets to accept different roles, sometimes uncomfortable work in a team.

He is back in Houston, where three years ago, he won two races on the Memphis regional lead to the Final Four, only to leave school a year later, just as the program was conducted in the problems of NCAA relating to the recruitment of Derrick Rose.

First visit Final Four of the Calipari, with Massachusetts in 1996, was also washed by the NCAA. That led to another ironic question: How does it feel to be coaches in your first Final Four?

"I deal with that," said coach of 52 years, who four years in the NBA between UMass and Memphis stays. "We are here three times." These players play played and did what they should. I am so proud of what they have done.

He says that without excuse. Its schools suffering, Calipari was not found on the debt to one of the probes of the NCAA.

The so-called problems between Cal and Cal began in this UMass days, while at the top of the other coaches were in neighbouring States - one trying to protect its turf and the other trying to cut its own. Things are are strained during the recruitment of Marcus Camby, UMass wound up choosing and issues of school which eventually landed at his trial.

Both coaches agreed that the relationship had a difficult start.

"I want to say, Northeast, you are so tight, you are right at the top of the other, that there is a competitive environment," said Calipari. "Our emissions of radio and tv-shows are in the other country, in our cities." That is how it is there. »

The 68-year Calhoun airy resumed the complaints he raised more than a decade ago on Calipari - a Pittsburgh native, trying to muscle its way through the New England - but made clear hostility calmed as the year passed.

"The generational perspective on the fact that John was really trying to claim new England,"said Calhoun with its counterpart in the absence of a genuine friendship. "

Then, he influenced his Boston accent better: "he could never say it pahked in Casa Hahvahd Yahd, he did not know what was really the clam chowder." I took (shading) to it, but I take (shading) many things. »

As magic this season has been - Kemba Walker the emergence as a star of the NBA-bound, five victories as five nights in the Big East tournament, then four wins more and unexpected Final Four travel - it is also a drain on Calhoun.

UConn Huskies this season has been played in the shadow of an NCAA investigation into the recruitment of Nate miles, a player of liquidation have expelled from the school before never play a game with the name.

The probe - ugly, but the first 25 years at Calhoun of UConn Huskies - led sanctions which Calhoun of suspension for the first three games of next season. If, that is to say, the coach decided to return. He has a lot of health problems in the past eight years and now enjoys spending time with his grandchildren as much as the players that he coaches.

"I am comfortable with my University, how they dealt with is, how the NCAA treated," said Calhoun. "I did not say that I agree with everything." But I was responsible for the program, program errors made, and I think that everyone had their chance to speak of a period of two years. When it was evaluated, it was assessed, and it is on for me. »

Always at the same time, the saga of Cal vs Cal hang, although in a light much less angry now 15 years ago.

Earlier in the week, Calhoun referred to its three final four homologous coaches and it was called, "my three sons - my two sons over my problem child," in reference to the years 1960 Classic TV show that Fred MacMurray played.

Calipari picked which one Friday: "I told him that I knew Fred MacMurray," he said, "and Mr. Calhoun, you are not a" Fred MacMurray.

Nadal beats Federer in Key Biscayne, Florida (AP)

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. - Rafael Nadal usually obtain a trophy when he defeated Roger Federer. This time, is pay a chance to play Novak Djokovic in the final Sunday at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Advanced Nadal Friday evening, with an incredible ease before an arbitrary Federer 6 - 3, 6-2.

Spanish has never lost serve, four of five break point opportunities and non-forced errors committed only 10 to 31 for Federer.

The first clash of the United States in six years between Rafa and Roger was a clapped-out instead of a classic, a capacity crowd who tried in vain to inspire a comeback Federer singing his disappointing name. They met before the final of the tower for the first time since 2007 because Federer has recently slipped from second to third in the standings and landed at Nadal half of the draw.

Now, no. ranked 1 Nadal and not. Djokovic 2 will play for the Championship. Djokovic won the tournament in 2007, while Nadal is looking for his first Key Biscayne title.

Djokovic extended his series of victories in 25 consecutive matches by Mardy Fish in the other semi-final, 6-3, 6-1 defeat. Three-time champion Grand Slam Maria Sharapova tries his first title in Key Biscayne Saturday when they play Victoria Azarenka 2009 champion.

Nadal vs Federer generated the vortex of a final, with tickets shortly before the game to recover hundreds of dollars. But Federer came out flat, committing four errors not forced to lose serve and scramblers 2-1.

That was part of a room in which Nadal won 13 of 15 points to take control. He lost two only of 18 points on his service in the first series.

The agitated crowd began chanting "ro - ger!" in the second series, but some fans would answer with a competition "Ra - fa! Din do not change the course of the game.

Federer had problems of adaptation with the speed of Nadal of features of soil, shanking of half a dozen photos, including a match point to reach. Federer then put a prudent forehand in the net, and it was completed after only 75 minutes.

Improved Nadal, 15-8 against Federer. Nadal is 16-8 against Djokovic but lost when she was two weeks ago in the final at Indian Wells.

It is one of the three titles that Djokovic won this year, including the Open of Australia. His 23-0 record in 2011 is the best record to start a year since Ivan Lendl 25-0 has begun in 1986.

Despite this, Djokovic says the role of underdog Sunday.

He said "I obviously wouldn't can't feel like a favorite". "For me to win, I'll be should be at the top of my game."

Fish, who received the No. 1 ranking in the United States its run this week, suspended with Djokovic for a time, but he was 0 for 6 break points. Djokovic erased three ACEs and one with a service winner.

The Serbian service is its greatest weakness, only a year ago, but it is much improved since. It must be still 40 service games at Key Biscayne, erase all 15 break points he faced to be broken.

"I don't feel invincible," Djokovic said. "I don't feel that I can't lose on the right." What I feel, is the great confidence. What I feel is that I am playing the best tennis of my life. »

Djokovic also dominates long events, another reason, it has only 18 games in five lost rounds.

"It will be better than now, no doubt about it, the hard court," said Fish "it is now his playground."

Rain stopped the match 2 - all 54 minutes and Djokovic said that it is less windy conditions more favourable to the game resumed. He thrust his chest after winning a grueling basis of rallies to break a 4-2 lead.

Fish the best chance to return to the game came three games later, but he did not put away a volley to break point station and Djokovic served to all.

It was a runaway from there.

"I win one of the big points," said Fish "none of them." I left many shots here today. That is what is disappointing.

His consolation: he'll be ahead of fellow American Andy Roddick uphill to a career-best 11th in the rankings next week.

Trainer Gil Clancy, dies at 88 (AP)

LYNBROOK, n.y. - trainer Gil Clancy, who helped lead weights welterweight Emile Griffith and Middleweight titles, died. He was 88.

Clancy died Thursday at the start to an installation of assisted living on Long Island, according to his daughter, Patricia Houlahan.

"He lived a good life," said Houlahan. "I'll take it."

Born in Rockaway Beach, N.Y., boxed Clancy to the College and the army. He holds a Masters degree in education at the University of New York and tuition fees paid by fighters of the training.

Finally, Clancy fame as a man has increased and has also worked with corner Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Oscar De La Hoya and Ken Buchanan. But he is best known for his 20 years with Griffith association.

Griffith has captured the world weight welterweight title from Benny "The Kid" Paret in April 1961 with a series of 13 knock out. Six months later Griffith lost the title to Paret, in a narrow split decision, in a match controversial with Paret in 1962.

With Clancy shouting encouragement to the corner, Griffith hit Paret unconscious and Paret is remained consolidated against the ropes while Griffith struck repeatedly during a few seconds before referee Ruby Goldstein stopped the fight. Paret never repeated consciousness and died 10 days later.

It was my birthday, "said Houlahan." "" It was obviously a really difficult thing they went through. It was very bad, a tragedy. Papa do not talk that much because it was so bad. "My father was the kind of guy who likes it inside".

Clancy, chosen in 1993 to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, was also a matchmaker for Madison Square Garden 1978-81 and 1988 to 2006's award-winning boxing analyst.

"Today we are deeply saddened by the death of our friend,", said Dan Ronayne, executive vice president and general manager, MSG networks. "His death leaves a hole in the community of boxing, and with the family of the Madison Square Garden.". Our thoughts and our prayers are with his family. »

The Hall of Fame on the road, N.Y., lowered its flag at half-mast in honor of Clancy's.

"Gil Clancy was one of the great minds of boxing," said the Director-General of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Edward Brophy.

Clancy is survived by five children and grandchildren of great 19 18 grandchildren. His wife, Nancy, died 16 months ago. Funeral arrangements were incomplete, said of the family.

Donations can be in honour of Clancy for boxers veteran Association of New York, Inc. in Long Island City, New York (http://www.ring8ny.com).

Name of Kansas City Stadium Livestrong (AFP)

Paris (AFP) - American football team based in Kansas City will call their Stadium, the Livestrong Foundation against cancer, founded by seven times winner of the Tour of France Lance Armstrong merchandising company this sponsorship .fr said Friday.

A six-year contract agreed, including Livestrong pay anything to have capacity of 18 500 not his name, then that the Foundation a part of the revenue of door a whopping 10 million (EUR 7.2 million receiving) in the period in question.

Armstrong, 39, is finally stopped running after the Tour Down Under in January.

Beside psychological Derby of Leonardo (AFP)

ROME (AFP) - Inter coach Milan Leonardo Friday dismissed talk of having something to prove to the former employer for derby on Saturday AC Milan - but he admitted the game between the two rivals would require psychological toughness.

Inter Milan by two points in Serie A with only eight games go and Leonardo, what company with the side red and black of the city, divorced last summer before implementing foot Rafa Benitez on Inter replaced midseasonnothing better than a on his old side would keep.

But "this is not"my"contest." It is Inter and players - I am not looking for revenge, "the State insisted."

Given the proximity of the title race Leonardo said that it would be a test of the nerve for the two teams.

There is a lot riding on this derby-psychological, but speak the decisive mathematical may not if there are seven games left and 21 points to pick up, "he noted."

In tactics, he noticed that the players would be first of all focus after the international break, but which in all cases, a derby is an extraordinary match that goes beyond questions of tactics. Know us each other too well, so I don't think there is much to discover or invent will be. "

Former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic Inter will miss the game through suspension but Leonardo believed that AC Milan would have enough firepower to watch while his own side hoped having Argentine forward Diego Milito, out with injury for nearly two monthsback in his group.

Coach of the AC Milan Massimiliano Allegri insisted until the derby "is a very important game - but the most important for them than for us."

"Milan will begin for them and if we win we'll be five clear points with seven games to go is not bad.".

However, Milan have a single point from their last two trips to lose some of their momentum and Allegri admitted that "is the major topic of soccer-everything can change very quickly."

Despite this, "we are top of 21 shots of games and we knew that we would not win the Championship with a month to spare, the only Scudetto victory if you four points clear with a game to go"said Allegri.

"Are they optimistic." We are more so, "he insisted".

Players damage of income League TV (Reuters)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - NFL players are seeking millions of dollars of damage as the League lost a federal trial over 4 billion in television revenues.

Players, in a file with a District Court of Minnesota this week, they say the money League "Links on the table in 2009 and 2010" should restore when the NFL negotiated new television contracts with its partners.

The amount has been deleted, but the word "million" has remained.

Judge David Doty, who planned to hold a hearing on May 12, held the month last as the NFL does step to maximize revenue when contracts television appointments.

He also said that the NFL its agreement with the players had been raped when negotiated television deals.

The players Union argued that the NFL designed the TV contracts to give the League a stockpile of cash $ 4 billion to help him with a lockout.

Asked about the last presentation, spokesman for the NFL Greg Aiello said Friday: "it is a part of the process in the case." Our response is due to April 21. »

Players also try to prevent the NFL take advantage of the TV contracts during the current lockout of the League.

"There is no amount of compensation that the damage resulting from unlawful lockout provisions can address," said players.

Although another court hearing April 6 on an application for an injunction against the lockout, "independent relief" presentation lock said Thursday.

Nine other players in the NFL, including the best quarterbacks Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, seeking an injunction against the lockout in a class action antitrust against the NFL and its owners.

The suit was filed after negotiations between the NFL and players labor Union broken last month and the Union, the NFL Players Association, revoked. NFL owners locked then the players, the season of 2011 at risk.

(Reported by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina);) (Edit by Frank pings)

Pulp of herbs of Djokovic in the final of Miami (AFP)

MIAMI (AFP) - Novak Djokovic remarkable continued Friday that runs in the final of the ATP Masters 1000 Miami with a 6 - 3, 6-1 victory Mardy Fish steamed.

Djokovic 2011 has a chance at the Miami Crown to add the Open Australia, Dubai and Indian Wells Masters 1000 titles already this year and extended his series of straight WINS in 23 matches.

Serbian 23 years old, ranked second in the world and seeded second place here behind affects Rafael Nadal, Nadal or seeded third Switzerland Roger Federer in the final Sunday.

In 30 years, only two players have made a better start to a season: American John McEnroe, with 39 WINS in 1984 and former Czechoslovak Ivan Lendl with 25 in 1986.

Fish, who had asked Andy Roddick when the American head will catch up next week, Djokovic on the defensive, but failed to convert two break points.

Just then a break in rain nearly an hour, time Djokovic used to group.

"I told Mardy at the end that I've saved by rain," Djokovic said. "He seemed to really like.". After I returned to the dressing room I had 45 minutes to get it together and I felt much better after I came back to the Court. »

They resumed with the game at 2-2 level, serve as Djokovic. Saved a break point, he concluded with an ACE.

The real turning point came at 5-3, as Djokovic was used for the game. Fish himself gave a double break point, but could not take advantage of the two, the assignment of the set with a backhand into the net.

"Those who were big points," said Fish "it is very disappointing." I thought I played well... I left many shots here today. That is what is disappointing.

"I mean, I played these two - 5-3, 15-40 and 30-40 - I played a good as I could, I couldn't just run."

Djokovic led off the coast of the second set by breaking America's and the home, intersects with a forehand winner.

In all, Djokovic saved six break points and has yet to be broken in service of 40 games here.

"It is his playground now, I think," said fish.

Djokovic said that the second semifinal between Nadal and Federer review of his hotel room.

He said "would not look."

Federer and Nadal, have titles in single 110 career between them, not even on a U.S. Court since the 2005 Miami championship match, in which Federer rallied from two sets to beat Nadal 2-6, 6-7 (4/7)7-6 (7/5) 6-3. 6-1.

The two giants gathered at 20 times since their last meeting in Miami with Nadal 13 people, including a dozen of final victory. At their meetings 22 career of only three in the seedlings of a tournament.

"For me, it's like (a) thing really special when we play each other," said Nadal.

"Because we still really big games." Tomorrow is a semi-final. Very little time, we played in the semi-finals of a tournament.

"The rest of the competition are final and important for the major titles." That makes the rivalry very, very special. »

The spotlight was all men Friday, $ 9 million ATP and WTA tournament, with Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka already booked for Saturday definitieve women.

Former number one Sharapova will seek his first title since May 2010, and his first in Miami after two finalist ends here.

"This would mean a lot", she said. "It's the greatest tournament I think that after the Grand slam tournaments." "I look forward to go and how it is."

Azarenka, the eighth seed and champion Miami 2009, semé of third Vera Zvonareva 6-0, 6-3 in the semi-finals while in the 16th-seeded Sharapova rallies to a 3 - 6, 6-0, 6-2 victory over Andrea Petkovic has beaten.

An upperclassman whose value by the minute rises (AP)

HOUSTON - for everything that is notable that kemba Walker this season reached almost only UConn Huskies implementation by nine games straight elimination and the Final Four, the possible still more surprising that it has even started it.

Good guys who rarely stick around NCAA long enough to be junior, and still less graduate at the beginning, that begins to explain why only Walker returned. Of course, he spent most of last season to the UConn Huskies to suspend three elders, and his NBA prospects were much less confident a year - in no small part size of Walkervery generous if 6-foot-1.

But his return likely as much on his coach, Jim Calhoun, if all of these factors combined.

"I know where he is now in the design, top 10 somewhere, and it should probably, if any, to go," said Calhoun. "Who should be determined by our success, your success, your growth and maturity as a player and a person."

Given that children of the NBA collective bargaining move from high school directly to the pros five years ago, the phenomenon of "one-and-done" enabled sports his ear, especially on traditional powerhouse programs. Coaches such as Calhoun and John Calipari to Kentucky - his opponent in the second semi-final Saturday night and on the trail of recruitment - had to decide whether to recruit players for which college little more that a year prep school for the pros.

"In General, in the recruitment process, we will go after the kid best we can." When we hear, "coach, I will only"... Well, do really speak us this way to UConn Huskies. "

They certainly are in Kentucky and not by pure coincidence, previous stop Calipari, Memphis.

"I don't like the" fact "rule, never have," said Calipari, who had all five starters from last year's team lost--four of them, first year students, led by no. 1 overall Pick John Wall - in the NBA. "." He figures to lose at least two freshman, Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones of this edition.

"But my choice is to recruit players who are not good enough," he added. "I do not die."

The selection of NCAA Committee when they had no idea of the parentheses three weeks ago, but the most unpredictable tournament wound up deliver more forward-looking Final Four ever.

The first semi-final between Virginia Commonwealth and Butler probably signals the arrival of the mid-majors on a regular basis, suggests a way to success is to recruit second-level players that stick long enough to develop in experienced, cohesion of the teams that particularly dangerous in a one-out format. However, the confrontation of Connecticut-Kentucky may well determine how the major powers should probably to a wave of reached - reload and rely entirely on new talent each season, as Calipari is making, or line drawing on one-donessuch as Calhoun.

In a way, Walker Calhoun is the best argument. UConn Huskies coach proved to be a long line of NBA players treat them - among them, Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton, Ben Gordon and Rudy Gay. Although each of them left school early, not a failure to turn it into at least two seasons.

Calipari has a long and very impressive list of NBA - Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, wall and DeMarcus Cousins, to name a few, but almost all a left after season freshman.

"I am for the next 15 years Brandon Knight coached." I do not want Brandon Chevalier to leave. "I want him here," Calipari said. "But at the end of the day, these guys have their decisions."

"What do you think?", he said a moment later, almost defiant. "At the end of the year, they were ready, I encourage them to go." Because if it is my son, this is what I hope that a coach would. »

How things have changed: a smart coach once said the best freshman thing is they are sophomores. The worst thing about the best freshman is more that they are not.

___

Jim Litke is a national sports columnist for the Associated Press. Write to him at jlitke (at) ap.org

ANY field rally Texas to win 9-5 on Boston (AP)

ARLINGTON, Texas - David Murphy ran to first base for the left field corner and waits for the ball in foul territory. In addition to its lining of cutting blows chalk of Texas Rangers.

As is so often all by winning their first American League Championship a year ago, the Rangers withdrawn a thrilling comeback.

"There is that something has changed with these guys, not" Manager Ron Washington after a victory of 9-5 Friday said of the Boston Red Sox in the first game of the season.

Tiebreaking of Murphy to pinch hit, two double by Daniel Bard hard jets was part of a four-run Flash, in the eighth for Texas which, prior to the Championship of the flag game, already raised.

"My body language brought it back in." "I prayed the ball would have hit the chalk, and it has done," said Washington. "When he touched the chalk, I lost."

Newcomers of Rangers Mike Napoli and Torrealba base walked home to break a 5 for all equal. Murphy scored on a double by Elvis Andrus before an another double by AL MVP Josh Hamilton.

Napoli, Ian Kinsler threatened and Nelson Cruz all hit for the Rangers, whose opening came exactly five months after the end of a loss of game 5 in San Francisco at home, his first world series.

MLB Red Sox reloaded, which Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford added after missing the playoffs last season, has blown leads 2-0 and 4-2.

"Any loss is frustrating." "We have 161 to go," said Kevin Youkilis. "We know that we played better that we are today.". There are many games like that this year, but hopefully not too many in a row. »

Remplaceant Murphy for the No. 9 hitter Julio Borbon, the fielder whose error in the base of two on the first play of the game led to the Red Sox two unearned runs to score. Borbon remains a starter even after five errors in 21 games in spring training, a step which degrades the Rangers playing Hamilton left but Murphy to the Bank.

"I have been doing for my teammates.". "I love my teammates," said Murphy, who was 109 games last season. "I want more". Yes. "But when I hit, I think that I should have a problem."

Bard said that he made the exact height that he wanted to go to Murphy.

"Sinker down and away." "It's on the knees, external black," says Bard. "Just, it gets the bat for her." Three inches to the left is a ball of fault, and we have a different conversation. »

Darren Oliver, the third Texas analgesic, obtained the victory even after allowing a homer to David Ortiz in the upper part of the eighth that tied it at 5.

Gonzalez had two hits and drove in three tracks in his Boston debut. Crawford went 0 for 4 with three striped, while a runner in scoring position behind each at bat.

Napoli fired ground along the left field line in the fourth for a three-run off left-hander Jon Lester, Texas shot putting up 5-4 and the sending of the room fills 50,146 in a frenzy.

"If you made your debut, this is what you want to do," said Napoli, who walked in the eighth, then designated Torrealba. "" "". I did my part today for us help to win. It is a good start. »

Napoli played the last five seasons with the rival AL - Angels West, although he in January Toronto, whose four days later take him to the Rangers for right hand that sent Frank Francisco was traded.

Kinsler threatened high in the State of Texas, where he hit mainly in 2009 and began the season with a homer to make it 2-1. His team to register with his 14th homer a prolonged career.

One run later, Cruz hit a towering fly that, just behind the 14-foot wall, to the left.

Wilson c.j., who won a best Rangers 15 games last year when he made the transition of the preference, the rotation granted six with two walks in 5 2-3 channel. The left-hander clever gave up four runs.

Lester has waived five races on 5, 1-3 rounds. It was the first time in 125 games, he allowed three home runs and the second time only the lefty had not a line through.

Gonzalez broke the link 2 for all in the third with a only two-out, 2 - run.

Boston Jacoby Ellsbury, who finished with two hits and scored twice, opened the game with a fly to center-right. Borbon struck the ball from right fielder Cruz he was about to capture.

"It was a very aggressive game Borbon part." "Cruz was camped," said Washington. "It does us bother." We have collected and kept playing baseball.

Ellsbury scored on a double 2-out by Youkilis and Gonzalez led to a term in his first Red Sox y before throw trying to stretch his success in a double.

Gonzalez, whose major league debut came with Texas in 2004, was a period of three stars in San Diego for this winter in Boston traded. Crawford spent his first nine seasons of major league with the Tampa Bay.

Crawford, who hit the third, had a weak popout infield in the first. He struck out in third, fifth and seventh.

"It was a difficult day." "Divided Wilson he is good enough," said Terry Francona Manager of Red Sox. "There will be much better days." We hope that will start tomorrow. »

Comments: Was the only other Ranger with a homer was a Oddibe McDowell is more open in 1987 in Baltimore. ... It was the third consecutive year Boston against the champion season in title has already opened. The Red Sox beat the Yankees in New York and Tampa Bay year last in the opener of 2009. ... A little more than two hours before the first pitch, $15 only standing tickets for $54 on company were offered, and the cheapest was $59 seat in an upper reserved area which would normally be $17.

Baseball, softball consider joint 2020 Olympic bid (AP)

NEW YORK - the International Federation of baseball and softball are working on a joint proposal in the hope of return for the two sports at the Olympic Games for the games by 2020.

The federations issued a joint statement Friday that they were analyzing the potential savings that can come from a part of Olympic venue and accommodation in the Olympic village in 2020.

By a vote in 2005, the two sports have been dropped since the Olympic Games and is not a party to the 2012 Games in London or the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.

The International Softball Federation and the International Baseball Federation said they could meet again next week at the SportAccord Convention in London to discuss their proposal.

Home run King Bautista get the Royal treatment (Reuters)

TORONTO (Reuters) - Toronto Blue Jays of fielder Jose Bautista was an unknown companion who could walk the streets without a second glance a year ago.

But the Blue Jays begin a new season against the Minnesota Twins Friday, Bautista was no longer a stranger, but one of the athletes more popular and the most recognizable of Toronto, the reigning Major League home run King and the face of the franchise.

"wow," smiled Bautista, such as the media locker are engulfed. "It is a little surreal, but most of the time, it has been for the better, not worse."

"I'm in a good place where I am wanted, where I want to so I am a happy man."

A club record and Major League best 54 homers earned Bautista fan support and a five year contract, 65 million with the Jays, slamming will be hoping that the age of 30 years of Dominican Republic is not one-season wonder.

Until last year was more plugger slugger Bautista, best known for his arm rifle that is booming, never more than 16 homeruns in one of its six previous seasons.

In 2004, he was the resolutely in a much less flattering category, most of the teams have played in a season.

He began the year with Baltimore, which had led in draft rule 5 waivers has been claimed by the Rays of Tampa Bay, which him later to the Royals in Kansas City sold.

Kansas City then transferred him to the Mets in New York who sent it to Pittsburgh, bringing his career full circle for the Pirates, the team which he drafted originally in 2000.

Three Bautista filled seasons in Pittsburgh, but it is that he was transferred to Toronto in 2008 that he finally obtained the Groove that all major league hitters.

As Tiger Woods, Bautista by a review of swing worked last season, changes and small tweaks produce a year of career, that no one saw coming.

"What I did last season seemed to work and I'll try to be consistent with my approach and the things that has allowed me to be successful, said Bautista.".

"I'll keep my realistic goals, I am not should take something special to do."

"I my success is not based on the number of homeruns I but I want to be productive, I would like to drive in runs."

The big question is whether it can follow and while nobody expects him to blistering performance last year that he will be taken into account to occur in the implementation of the weight and expectations that come with his new contract.

"Our expectations of Jose are the same they were a year ago and it is not a number of home runs hit,", said the Blue Jays first year manager John Farrell.

"It is his day preparation and this is what allowed him to be able to succeed."

"I think that it is one thing, that we are fortunate that Jose, it is a very intelligent player also so very talented.".

(Amended by Greg Stutchbury)

Sabres to resume the road less injured G Ryan Miller (AP)

BUFFALO, n.y. - the Sabres will have to continue their thrust of end of season without injured goalie Ryan Miller, who did not travel with the team, such as opening two games Buffalo left road trip series.

After coach Lindy Ruff said practical continued early Friday afternoon that Miller would be the team for the flight to Washington, the Sabres from Miller announced on that aircraft. The Sabres have not provided no other details except to say that the keeper of the Lighthouse is still listed as on the day the day with what the team is strictly requires a wound to the upper part of the body.

The turn of events issues, when Miller will be ready. The Sabres to play in Washington on Saturday, followed by Carolina Sunday.

Ruff had said that Miller "was OK," and the possibility of playing this weekend not lightly. Now, it seems, can likely.

"It will depend on where it is on tomorrow," said Ruff.

Winner of the trophy at last year's Vezina had practice and has not been seen since a 4-3 loss in Toronto Tuesday. It was a competition he finished despite the fact that a high blow to the chest in the third. Three days earlier, Miller was also hit in the mask by a shot by Brian Rolston in a 2-0 win over New Jersey.

Ruff was keep when talking about the nature of the damage. He refused to say if Miller doctor appointments or if it has been tested for a concussion. Express repair Ruff say damage of Miller is in the short term.

"It is positive that we do not seek longer term here," said Ruff.

This is a crucial road trip for a team that is 25-11-5 since 28 December to climb into playoff contention has disappeared. Open with five games left, seventh-place Buffalo (39-29-9) weekend tied with the Rangers 87 points. The Sabres have the edge to distinguish on New York. Both teams have three points for ninth place Carolina.

As there is no Miller, Jhonas Enroth should begin. He won his first career shutout, with 23 recorded a victory 1-0 against the Rangers on Wednesday.

"Jhonas plays incredible last game for us, but you'll notice when Millsy line-up, the" defenseman Tyler Myers said. "It has proved to be one of the best offers of purpose in the world, and it is an essential part of our group." It is good to know that there is not in the long term, and he will return when it is ready. »

As the Sabres, Miller rebounded from a slow start. It is particularly strong in 9-4-3 in his past 16 games, including a piece of last week, where he has two goals in three wins, with two shutouts.

Enroth welcomes the opportunity, although it is not about whether he will start Saturday.

"This is a great weekend for us, I am really excited," said Enroth, who is a 6-2-1 record with Buffalo after the opening of this season in the minors. "I want to play and play back to back is always fun."

Of Enroth shutout came with his parents to monitor, the first time they saw play one game in the NHL in person. It will not, however, around the end of the week, after a trip back home to the Sweden Friday.

Ruff excluded forward Jochen Hecht this weekend, while forward Mike Grier is questionable. Hecht has been hampered by a nagging injuries of the upper body he forced to Miss 10 of the past 14. Grier Friday in practice was limited and missed the last two with an injury to the knee.

Center Derek Roy has spent this week skating on his own for the first time since having surgery in December to recover from a torn left quadriceps tendon. Roy expressed the hope that he could return later this month as the Sabres advance to the second round.