Date: 11/01/2012 05:29 AM
NW–1st SportsMinute/383
Here is the latest Washington, Oregon and Alaska sports news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Dwight Howard’s 33 points and 14 rebounds were not enough for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 116-106 loss to the inspired Portland Trail Blazers. Nicolas Batum (bah-TOOM’) had 26 points and the Blazers led by as many as 19 in handing the Lakers their second straight loss to open the season. Damian Lillard, the sixth overall pick in the June draft, had 22 points and 11 assists in his NBA debut for Portland. L.A.’s troubles were compounded by the loss of guard Steve Nash to a left knee injury.
RENTON, Wash. (AP) – Thinned by injuries, the Seattle Seahawks could go into this week’s key home game against the Minnesota Vikings with just four healthy wide receivers. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said yesterday that would be a possibility. The Seahawks are unsure of the status of Braylon Edwards (knee) and Doug Baldwin (ankle), leaving them certain only of having Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Charly Martin and practice squad call-up Jermaine Kearse against the Vikings.
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) – Washington State coach Mike Leach can earn a $75,000 bonus for taking the Cougars to a low-level bowl game. Or he can earn $100,000 for making a BCS bowl game. Or $25,000 for winning the Apple Cup. Details of Leach’s recently signed five-year contract have been released after public records requests by media. He makes a $2 million base salary and $250,000 in other income, but also has numerous other perks. Washington State is 2-6. The Cougars play Saturday at Utah.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Back at the start of the season, Oregon’s game at USC was circled on lots of calendars. It appeared at the time to be the marquee matchup of the Pac-12 season, as well as a possible preview of the league championship game, with the Trojans entering the season ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll and Oregon ranked fifth. Adding to the anticipation was USC’s 38-35 upset victory over the Ducks at Autzen Stadium last season. Eight weeks later, the shine is off the game a bit. USC has lost two games, including a 39-36 loss at Arizona last weekend, and fallen to No. 18 in the AP rankings.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.