In case you were too busy being impeached from your mayoral position, here’s what you missed this past week in the world of sports …
BASKETBALL — Well, Raptor fans, there’s not much to say. Toronto lost four heartbreakers this past week, a trend that has been developing since their 90-88 loss to Indiana in the season opener. First, the Raps blew a fourth quarter lead against Philly on Tuesday. Then, they followed that effort up with two straight one-point losses to Charlotte and Detroit. Finally, they fell in double overtime to San Antonio on Sunday afternoon. One bright spot for the team: Jonas Valanciunas. The big Lithuanian rookie tallied a career-high 22 points on Sunday, and is impressing executives and players around the league.
In NCAA Division III basketball news (no, really), Grinnell Pioneers guard Jack Taylor broke an NCAA record with 138 points in a 179-104 victory over the Faith Baptist Bible College Eagles on Tuesday night. Taylor shot 52 for 108 from the field, but only made 27 of his 71 attempted three-pointers. “I gotta thank the man upstairs. I was able to multiply my talents tonight,” Taylor said after the game. He probably meant multiply by billions. In any case, I’ll have what he’s having.
FORMULA 1 — Sebastian Vettel became the youngest three-time Formula 1 champion, after finishing sixth in the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday. The 25-year-old German becomes the first driver to win three titles in a row since seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher won five straight from 2000-2004. Schumacher is retiring for the second time after returning to race in 2010. He leaves as the most successful Formula 1 driver ever: with the most wins, pole positions, fastest laps, and most podium finishes in the sport’s history.
The 2013 season will kick off in March. We’re sure North American sports fans can’t wait.
FOOTBALL — The 100th Grey Cup took place this past Sunday night, pleasing Mounties and Canadian football fans around the country. The Toronto Argonauts prevailed over the Calgary Stampeders 35-22 in front of their home crowd at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The title marks their first championship since 2004. Argos’ quarterback Ricky Ray proved his critics wrong with an impressive postseason run, culminating in two touchdown passes in the big game. The Argos defence led the way and stalled Calgary’s offence from the beginning of the contest. Starting running back Chad Kackert was named the Grey Cup’s Most Outstanding Player after he recorded 195 yards of total offence in the victory. Kackert was actually cut by Calgary a couple of years ago, so the performance was in typical revenge fashion. Rejoice, Toronto sports fans! You finally have something to cheer about! Oh, and Biebs totally killed the halftime show.
