NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Timberwolves vs Blazers matchup. The Headline: Damian Lillard scores a season high 28 points in this big Portland win. Damian Lillard has a career night, and J.J. Hickson looks strong in his return. With the growing rivalry, Kevin Love hands down won the battle with L.A..
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the UO vs. OSU week 13 matchup. The defense puts out a surprisingly tough effort, and the running backs do everything right to keep the game in OSU’s favor. But a flurry of mistakes—many on the shoulders of Markus Wheaton—puts the Beavers to rest in this 48-24 loss.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin reports on high flying cornerbacks Jordan Poyer and Rashaad Reynolds. While the Beavers are known for their dominating run defense, the secondary has had to take it’s lumps this season. They rank 59th in the FBS, allowing 236.4 passing yards per game. But despite the stats, that doesn’t take away how good these two players have been for the Beavs.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on this week’s football matchup against the Oregon Ducks in NCAA football Week 13 action. It’s not quite the battle of the unbeatens we were all hoping for, but it’s still the biggest game of the season for these two teams. OSU needs a win to cap off their underdog season, while UO has to win to stay alive in the Pac-12 North.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin, in collaboration with Timberpups.com blogger John Flesta, previews the Minnesota-Portland matchup. These bloggers got together for a great Q&A. Not only do they highlight plenty about the game, but also give some insight on the ensuing drama between these two organizations. NBA matchup insight from NWSB.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin reports on explosive defensive ends Scott Crichton and Dylan Wynn. Both players exploded on the scene in 2011 as freshmen (Wynn a true freshman, Crichton a redshirt) and have continued their heavy hitting ways into 2012. With their strengths and weaknesses, these guys work together perfectly.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Blazers vs. Suns matchup. The Headline: the Suns come out blazing, shooting a near 60 percent against an ailing Portland team. The duel rookies Lillard and Leonard play pretty good ball, but a lack of defense and control lets the Suns runaway with this one.
NWSB blogger Jon Irwin writes about Amy Franz and the Ichimeter. A constant in Safeco field—especially in 2004—the Ichimeter became the ultimate way to keep track of Ichiro Suzuki’s hits. And even though he’s no longer with the team, the man himself still knows how to make a fan’s day.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin reports on the wide receiving corp of Markus Wheaton and Brandin Cooks. Together, these two average a combined 202.5 receiving yards per game, and equate to 43 percent of the Beavers touchdowns. If there’s a more integral part to Oregon State’s offense, I’d like to see it.
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on the MLB breaking news this week on the trading of Trayvon Robinson for Robert Andino. With a surplus of outfielders, and a lack of depth in the middle infield, this is a trade purely for depths sake. In his career, Andino has played second, third, shortstop, left and centerfield.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Bulls vs. Blazers matchup. The Headline: L.A. puts up a double-double, and Portland uses a rain of shots to sink the Rose-less Bulls 102-94. The Blazer’s shooting looked really good in this one, and the bench was even able to contribute. Fouls and ball control remain an issue for this young team.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Cal vs. OSU week 12 matchup. Oregon State finally plays a complete game, topping Cal 62-14 at home. The offense was the biggest winner, moving the ball in every way imaginable while getting everyone involved. If there’s any bad in this one, it’s a couple injuries and some disappointing play by the defense up front. Mike Riley got plenty of chances to rest his starters.
