As the Sports World Turns

Tiger Back on Top

  After an Arnold Palmer Invitational that included dangerous delaying weather in Orlando on Sunday and a few days of under performing by his standards, Tiger Woods finished the invitational 13 under par making him the winner. More importantly, this latest victory has relocated Tiger to a ranking he hadn't known since 2010: the number 1 golfer in the world. Woods has been playing exceptionally well this year racking up 3 wins in 2013 already. "It feels good right now," Woods says. I would imagine so. Woods took a major falloff in 2011, after his Mistress media scandal, ranking as low as number 58 in the world. But with the way he's been pulling out the hat tricks lately, I think it's safe to say: He's back!

USA vs Mexico Rivalry

  The US and Mexico's FIFA teams have a well-documented rivalry dating back to 1934 when the US won a World Cup Qualifier over Mexico 4-2. After that win, the US was completely dominated by Mexico from friendly matches to World Cup Qualifiers and all things in between. It wasn't until the 90's that Team USA began to turn things around, including the most recent 1-0 US victory in friendly match in Azteca last August. Tuesday the two teams face off again in Azteca in a World Cup Qualifier. Mexico has only lost 1 of 75 World Cup Qualifiers they've played at home and only 6 of the 75 were draws. Their winning percentage at home 91%. Team USA has only won 1 time in Mexico so this match is highly anticipated even more so because of each team's respective play as of late. Team USA just beat Costa Rica in Denver on Friday 1-0 in a now controversial World Cup Qualifying match due to the harsh weather conditions of a fierce blizzard. Mexico on the other hand, let a 2-0 lead escape them and had to settle for a draw on Friday against Honduras. Fans can only hope that momentum the US has built up carries over into this match as this rivalry is more than just business; its personal. Team USA's coach Jurgen Klinsmann says "We have respect, alot of respect for Mexico but we don't have any fear." Catch the action tonight at 9:30 pm on ESPN.

NBA Monday News

  Last night Washington Wizards guard John Wall dropped a career high 47 points along with 8 assists, and 7 rebounds in a 107-94 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Wall had 26 points after the first half alone. The Grizzlies are fighting to stay in that 5th seed spot and trying to possibly steal the 4th from the Nuggets or Clippers but have loss three straight road games. Wall's 47 points is the third highest point total by a player this season and it is apparent that this team is definitely different with him on the floor. He has only played in 37 games this season in which the Wizards are 21-16. Without Wall though, Washington is a mere 5-28. It is very likely that this can be a lower seeded playoff team next year if they keep the pieces they have, or possibly add better ones, and have a healthy John Wall.
  The Los Angeles Lakers lost last night to the Golden State Warriors 109-103. The Lakers were down 23 points at the half but in the second half Kobe Bryant kicked it into overdrive finishing the game with 36 points and 8 rebounds. Steph Curry led all Warriors scorers with 25 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds as he and Kobe both gave this game a go on questionable ankles. With Lakers center Pau Gasol just being re-implemented into the lineup and Kobe returning after his ankle injury, the Lakers seem to have hit a small bump in the road of rhythm they had going. LA is a below .500 team when Bryant, Nash, Gasol, and Howard play in the same game this season at just 6-13. Fans can temporarily take solace in the fact that despite the loss, the Lakers still hold on to the 8th seed in the West.
  The Denver Nuggets streak was snapped last night in a 110-86 blowout victory by the 25-46 New Orleans Hornets. Just when I thought they could survive without Ty Lawson, the Nuggets just didn't show up last night. As a team Denver shot just under 39%. Hornets forward Ryan Anderson had an impressive night finishing with 23 points and 9 rebounds. Rookie guard Brian Roberts also finished with a career high 18 assists. Just that fast, Denver falls back down to the 4th seed in the West. Hopefully they can get Lawson back soon and clean up their act before they fall too far out of the rhythm they'd generated.

No Catfishing the Pros

  Today Manti Te'o will have his Pro Day at Notre Dame. He has vowed to improve his unimpressive 40-yard dash time of 4.82 at the NFL Combine last month. If Te'o wants to be a higher tier first round pick doing so is one of his best shots. Many analysts felt his Combine performance just added insult to injury to his draft stock. Te'o definitely has the potential to improve and I'm sure he's been working hard at it this month. I would hope so because there is no "catfishing" the pro scouts; they're looking for the Real McCoy. Check @RealRundown for updates later today.

Sources: ESPN, LA Times NBA