First Posted: 1/18/2015
NEW YORK — Thursday night games were such a success this season for CBS that the network extended its deal with the NFL through the 2015 season.
The agreement carries an additional year at the NFL’s option. It was announced Sunday by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell; Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS; and Sean McManus, chairman of CBS Sports.
CBS will broadcast the first eight Thursday night games, which also will be simulcast on NFL Network.
Then NFL Network will exclusively handle the final eight games.
The packages will include 14 games on Thursday nights and two late-season ones on Saturdays.
All eight Thursday night games on CBS/NFL Network during Weeks 2-8 and Week 16 were the top-rated in prime time for that night across all networks. Overall, the total Thursday night package averaged 12.3 million viewers, up from 8.1 million for the entire 2013 schedule.
2 win, 2 fall at regional championships
CINCINNATI — Lima South Side boxers Javionte Gaddy and Nick Harrod both lost in the Silver Gloves regional finals on Sunday at the Under the Weather Complex in Cincinnati.
Harrod lost a split decision to Rue Williams (Penn.) in the 100-pound senior division. Gaddy lost a split decision to Jose Rosa (Penn.) in the 112-pound senior division.
On Saturday, South Side boxers Emilio Rettig (9) and Jahosh Allen (13) both won their regional championship matches in Cincinnati.
Rettig and Allen advance to Silver Glove nationals at Independence, Mo., Feb. 4-7. This marks Allen’s third time to the Silver Gloves nationals. It’s Rettig’s second time to the nationals.
Lonnie Rettig is looking for sponsors for the trip to the nationals. Please contact Rettig at 419-234-0120.
LCC to meet Kettering Alter today
KETTERING — Lima Central Catholic’s boys basketball team (10-1) travels to Kettering to face Kettering Alter (7-5) today in the Flying to the Hoop Tournament. The game will start at 3 p.m. at Kettering Fairmont’s Trent Arena.
It will be the first meeting between LCC and Alter since 1990.
LCC had its 20-game winning streak snapped at Versailles on Saturday, 68-56, in overtime.
Reds’ caravan coming to Lima on Friday
LIMA — The Cincinnati Reds’ caravan will come to the Lima Mall from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
There will be a very brief question and answer period, followed by autographs.
Leading the north tour to Lima will be Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco and Reds manager Bryan Price.
Also on the tour will be minor league shortstop Alex Blandino, broadcasters Jim Day and Jeff Piecoro, director of player development Jeff Graupe and mascot Mr. Red.
Xavier vs. UC watch party set for Feb. 18
CAIRO — There will be a watch party for the Xavier vs. Cincinnati men’s basketball game on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Biggie’s Coast to Coast in Cairo.
The party will start at 6:30 p.m., with the game to start at 7 p.m.
All alums and friends of Xavier and Cincinnati are welcome.
Indiana holds off Illinois, 80-74
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Indiana survived an early run from Illinois and battled back to beat the Illini on the road, 80-74.
James Blackmon Jr. and Troy Williams led the Hoosiers (14-4, 4-1 Big Ten) with 21 points each. Blackmon hit a fast-break layup with 1:07 to play to give the Hoosiers a 75-72 lead that was too much for the Illini (12-7, 2-4).
The Illini opened up an early 11-2 edge on three 3-pointers by Kendrick Nunn. He finished with a game-high 24.
But the Hoosiers charged back to lead 38-34 at the half and took the lead for good, 72-71, on Williams’ layup with 1:24 to play.
Williams led the Hoosiers with nine rebounds.
Ahmad Starks added a season-high 19 points for Illinois.
Blue Jackets assign center Collins to AHL
COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned center Sean Collins to the American Hockey League’s Springfield Falcons a day before they return to action against the Minnesota Wild.
Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen made the announcement Sunday.
Collins was most recently recalled on December 30. He collected two assists with two penalty minutes in eight games with Columbus this season. He also recorded 10-9-19 and 14 penalty minutes with an even plus/minus rating in 28 games with Springfield.
