NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Editor and Insider Jon Irwin recaps what was Oregon State’s 2012 college football regular season. Leading the way are standouts Markus Wheaton and Rashaad Reynolds. But there were plenty of other highlights on this season and—with an invitation to the Alamo Bowl—more could be on the way.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Blazers vs Raptors matchup. The Headline: playing without starters Nicolas Batum (back) and Wesley Matthews (hip), Portland comes up with a big win and halts their losing streak at two games. Aldridge and Hickson put together huge nights, and luckily it’s enough to outweigh disappointing games from Claver and Lillard.
NWSB insider Jon Irwin gives us a preview of the Beavers upcoming seven game homestand. The series will be a nice mix of easy games before leading into Pac-12 conference play. Fittingly enough, the Beavs kick off conference play at home against in-state rival Oregon. But their biggest challenge comes at the end of the homestand against Pac-12 leading Arizona.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down five questions Portland is facing on the young season. With 19 games in the bag—to the tune of a 8-11 record—there’s plenty for Portland to answer for. Can rookie sensation Damian Lillard keep it going? Will Nicolas Batum ever be good enough for his contract? Nicolas Batum looked ready for a breakout All-Star season. J.J. Hickson is enjoying a great season as Portland’s starting center.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on recent Mariner-based rumors coming out of the annual Winter Meetings. Seattle continues their pursuit of outfield help, with interest anywhere from Jason Bay to Justin Upton. Also making headlines is the M’s desire to keep Felix a “Mariner for life,” as well as their push for Billy Butler.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin breaks down five things to watch for in the Alamo Bowl matchup against the Texas Longhorns on December 29th. Highlighting the list are seniors Markus Wheaton’s and Jordan Poyer’s final game as Beavers, as well as the chance at a big statement to finish off a stellar season.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the NSU vs. OSU week 14 matchup. Markus Wheaton has a prolific end to his career, and the Beavs put together some great prep before their bowl game. The only negative is the return game is still nonexistent against underwhelming competition.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Blazers vs Cavs matchup. Portland finally nabs a game on their East Coast swing, aided by a big game from the starters—all scoring in double digits. But Wesley Matthews slump continues, and the Blazers struggle to box out the Cavs.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Blazers vs Celtics matchup. The Headline: LaMarcus Aldridge comes alive, but a dominating Celtics defense holds Portland to 34 percent shooting in this ugly loss. L.A. and the bench show some great signs of life, but there’s never anything positive about 34 percent shooting.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin gives some insight on rookie sensation Damian Lillard’s quirky phobia of statues. But not just any statues, but statues of historical figures. With the Blazers paying visit to the Washington Wizards, it must have been a trying day for Lillard.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Blazers vs Wizards matchup. The Headline: squaring off with the winless Wizards, Portland continues its East Coast losing streak with this new 82-84 loss. Batum looked like he’s coming out of his slump, and Hickson had a season high 19 rebounds. But with four games left on the roadtrip, Portland needs to find some wins.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on three potential free agents signees for the M’s. Among the list are Anibal Sanchez, Mike Napoli and B.J. Upton. All three could have a significant impact on the Mariners, and would be great moves for the offseason. The Seattle Mariners are on the fringe of becoming relevant in the American League once more.
