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Patriots Dominate Jaguars in Easy Win (AP)
 AP - Watch out, the New England Patriots look like champions again. And that should send a chill through the rest of the NFL.
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Redskins Down Feisty Buccaneers to Advance (AP)
 AP - With Joe Gibbs back in the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, the Washington Redskins looked like a Super Bowl contender again. Well, at least on defense.
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Jazz Top Pistons for Second Time This Year (AP)
 AP - Andrei Kirilenko had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and former Pistons player Mehmet Okur added 13 points and 17 rebounds as the Utah Jazz beat Detroit for the second time this season, 94-90 in overtime Saturday night.
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Suns Snap Spurs' 5-Game Winning Streak (AP)
 AP - Shawn Marion and Steve Nash triggered a fourth-quarter surge that lifted the Phoenix Suns over San Antonio 91-86 Saturday night, snapping the Spurs' five-game winning streak in a matchup of division leaders.
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Baldomir Unanimously Outpoints Judah (AP)
 AP - Argentina's Carlos Baldomir won the undisputed welterweight championship Saturday night, staggering Zab Judah in the seventh round en route to a unanimous, 12-round decision at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.
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Patriots crush Jaguars (Reuters)
 Reuters - Tom Brady threw
three touchdown passes as the New England Patriots posted their
NFL-record 10th straight post-season win on Saturday night with
a 28-3 first-round rout of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Jazz upset Pistons again (Reuters)
 Reuters - Andrei Kirilenko scored 24 points, 11
rebounds and seven assists as the Utah Jazz upset the Detroit
Pistons for the second time this season, winning 90-84 in
National Basketball Association play Saturday in Auburn Hills.
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Orioles Remain Reluctant to Trade Tejada (AP)
AP - Miguel Tejada rescinded his demand to be traded by the Orioles, telling team officials during a phone call Saturday that he's willing to help Baltimore become a contender in the AL East.
Trinidad Seeks Soccer Tickets Amid Dispute (AP)
AP - Trinidad's government asked the country's soccer federation for World Cup tickets on Friday following allegations of cronyism and ticket price gouging against a top soccer official.
Thornton Helps Sharks Edge Past Kings 3-2 (AP)
 AP - Scott Thornton scored two goals and Evgeni Nabokov got his first victory in nearly three weeks, leading the San Jose Sharks through a scoreless third period in a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.
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Redskins' do-it-all D
TAMPA, Fla. – Washington's best offense was its defense, which never rested against the Buccaneers.
Patriots win 10th straight in postseason (AP)
Here's the chilling truth for the rest of the NFL: The New England Patriots look like champions again. And they have no fear of hitting the road for the rest of the postseason. Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes, Willie McGinest broke two records for sacks and the Patriots set an NFL mark with 10 straight postseason victories by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-3 on Saturday night.
Defense carries Redskins past Buccaneers (AP)
Joe Gibbs' teams always had a knack for peaking at the right time, and these Washington Redskins are no different. With the Hall of Fame coach back in the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, the Redskins -- at least on defense -- looked like a Super Bowl contender again in beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-10 in the NFC wild-card round Saturday.
Bears' Smith tops Dungy as Coach of Year (AP)
Lovie Smith is in the company of Hall of Famers. Smith was hired to resurrect the proud Chicago Bears franchise once coached by George Halas and Mike Ditka. He did such a strong job in 2005 that he was chosen The Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year on Saturday. Halas and Ditka each won the honor twice.
Turnovers key in Redskins' playoff win (AP)
Even LaVar Arrington got into Washington's turnover turnaround act. Arrington, with the help of tip by Joe Salave'a at the line of scrimmage, intercepted Chris Simms' first pass of the game Saturday and returned the ball to 6-yard line. The player who said last week that he expects to be traded or released in the offseason -- and who was chastised by coach Joe Gibbs for causing a distraction with...
Jaguars fall short against Patriots (AP)
The Jaguars got back to the playoffs and found out they didn't belong -- at least against the Patriots. Not even the return of Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich and the absence of New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi could help the Jaguars, the last team to beat the Patriots in the playoffs. That was in another wild-card game seven years ago in Jacksonville.
Redskins S Taylor ejected for spitting (AP)
Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was ejected for spitting in the face of Michael Pittman during Saturday's 17-10 wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Taylor spit at Pittman as the two stood face-to-face after a 3-yard scramble by quarterback Chris Simms in the third quarter. Pittman hit Taylor in retaliation, but referee Mike Carey announced there would be no penalty on Pittman.
Bengals feel out of place in playoffs (AP)
For nine excruciating years, offensive tackle Willie Anderson went home in January, fired up the grill, watched the NFL playoffs and fantasized about getting there someday. Turns out, fantasy is nothing like reality. The Cincinnati Bengals are back in the playoffs for the first time in 15 years, feeling wholly out of place.
Focus on Eli Manning in 1st playoff game (AP)
The glare of the spotlight that has followed every move of Eli Manning's blossoming NFL career is about to get much brighter. Sunday's wild-card game against the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium will be the latest milestone for the younger and (so far) less-accomplished quarterback of the Manning family, following his first victory, first 300-yard passing game and first NFC East title.
Chiefs, Edwards still negotiating (AP)
The Kansas City Chiefs were close to coming to terms with Herman Edwards on a contract that would make him their next head coach, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday night. The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, said the team was hopeful of finishing the deal Sunday and formally introducing...
Houston has a problem
The star power is there, but the Rockets' supporting cast doesn't fit into coach Jeff Van Gundy's style of play.
Bryant nets 50, Lakers down Clippers (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 50 points and made a fadeaway jumper in the lane with 12 seconds remaining to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-109 victory over the Clippers on Saturday night. Elton Brand's 8-foot turnaround jumper seconds earlier had given the Clippers a one-point lead. Smush Parker provided the Lakers a pad when he stole a pass by Shaun Livingston and scored on a breakaway dunk with 4.4...
Spurs C Duncan out for 2008 Olympics (AP)
Tim Duncan has officially notified USA Basketball that he will not be a part of the U.S. team that will compete at this year's world championships and the 2008 Olympics. Jerry Colangelo, managing director of USA Basketball, said Saturday that Duncan's agent, Lon Babby, had called with the news earlier this week.
Jazz beat Pistons again, 94-90 in OT (AP)
The Utah Jazz seem to have a secret that the rest of the NBA would love for them to share. The problem is, the Jazz aren't sure why they appear to be the only team in the NBA that the Detroit Pistons can't beat. Andrei Kirilenko had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and former Pistons player Mehmet Okur added 13 points and 17 rebounds as the Jazz beat Detroit for the second time this season, 94-90 in...
Marion, Nash propel Suns past Spurs (AP)
This season's Phoenix Suns can play rough. They proved it Saturday night against the defending NBA champs. Shawn Marion and Steve Nash triggered a fourth-quarter surge that lifted the Suns over San Antonio 91-86, snapping the Spurs' five-game winning streak in a matchup of division leaders. Marion scored 11 in the fourth quarter to finish with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Nowitzki powers Mavs past Wolves 83-79 (AP)
For 3 1/2 quarters, Dirk Nowitzki couldn't find his shot, couldn't get to the foul line and couldn't avoid the menacing presence of Kevin Garnett. Once he did, the Dallas Mavericks were able to pull out an 83-79 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night. Nowitzki scored 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, most coming during a 14-3 run over the last 3:04.
James leads Cavs to 96-88 win over Bucks (AP)
LeBron James checked to make sure all his body parts were functioning properly, and picked himself up off the floor. Moments later, the Cleveland Cavaliers were up, too. James shook off the effects of a hard fall in the foul lane to score 35 points as the Cavaliers rebounded from an awful loss with a 96-88 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
Hinrich, Bulls rout Grizzlies 111-82 (AP)
Just 24 hours after one of their best defensive performances of the season, the Memphis Grizzlies played flatfooted and slow against a Chicago Bulls team in constant motion. "They were a little tired. We smelled that," Chicago guard Ben Gordon said. And the Bulls made the most of the opportunity against a team that was allowing an NBA-low 86.7 points entering the game.
Arenas' FTs saves Wizards in 103-102 win (AP)
Gilbert Arenas didn't mind that it took an ugly victory to snap the Washington Wizards' four-game losing streak. "They didn't say all wins in the NBA are pretty," Arenas said after his two free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining secured the Washington Wizards' 103-102 victory over the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.
Harrington, Hawks beat Hornets 101-93 (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks withstood a fourth-quarter challenge Saturday night -- no small feat for the team that still has the worst record in the NBA. Al Harrington scored 24 points and the Hawks overcame a career-high 29 points from Speedy Claxton to beat New Orleans 101-93 Saturday night, ending the Hornets' three-game winning streak.
Power rankings
Despite having lost nearly 200 player games to injury this season, the Flyers have held on to the No. 2 spot in the rankings.
Thrashers top Crosby, Penguins again (AP)
Ilya Kovalchuk had some more fun at Sidney Crosby's expense. Kovalchuk had two goals in the Atlanta Thrashers' 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night to push his NHL-leading total to 32. On Friday night, he had two goals -- and taunted Crosby -- in a 6-4 win in Atlanta. "I'm more happy we got the two points," Kovalchuk said.
Rangers' Lundqvist shuts out Panthers (AP)
Henrik Lundqvist and Petr Prucha are far off the rookie of the year radar, and that is just how their superstar teammate wants it. "I'm glad about it because they don't get a big head," Jaromir Jagr said after his two-goal performance and the efforts of his young teammates helped the New York Rangers to a 4-0 victory Saturday over the Florida Panthers.
Jurcina sparks Bruins by Lightning (AP)
Boston defenseman Milan Jurcina could hardly be blamed for being a little greedy. Jurcina scored the first two goals of his NHL career and Patrice Bergeron had the go-ahead goal to lead the Boston Bruins to a 6-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lighting on Saturday. With the Bruins trailing 3-1, Jurcina scored midway through the second period.
Four goals in first lift Habs over Sens (AP)
Radek Bonk finally got to celebrate a goal, but Canadiens teammate Mathieu Dandenault missed out on his chance. Cristobal Huet made 40 saves, and Bonk and Dandenault ended lengthy goal droughts as Montreal scored four times in the first period to beat the Ottawa Senators 4-1 on Saturday. Bonk hadn't scored in 44 regular-season games when he tipped Bouillon's point shot past goalie Ray Emery to put...
Gerber helps 'Canes sweep Islanders (AP)
Martin Gerber and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Islanders from start to finish. Gerber made 30 saves for his sixth career shutout, and the Hurricanes scored three goals in a 6:14 span in the second period to beat the Islanders 3-0 on Saturday night for a home-and-home sweep. "We came out good from the start," Gerber said.
Fernandez wins sixth straight, Wild romp (AP)
The Minnesota Wild's resurgence has been a team effort. Manny Fernandez made 22 saves to tie his career high with his sixth straight victory, and nine Wild players had points in Minnesota's 4-1 win over the Anaheim Mighty Ducks on Saturday night. Marian Gaborik and Todd White each had a goal and an assist to help the Wild win for the ninth time in 13 games and move past the Mighty Ducks into ninth...
Sharks rally for 3-2 win over Kings (AP)
Because Joe Thornton's mind already might be wandering to his return to Boston, his cousin took over the scoring load in yet another victory for the San Jose Sharks. Scott Thornton scored two goals and Evgeni Nabokov got his first win in nearly three weeks, leading the Sharks through a scoreless third period in a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.
Tellqvist, Kilger help Leafs edge Oilers (AP)
Mikael Tellqvist took full advantage of his first start in goal in five games for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The backup goalie made 36 saves and Chad Kilger scored the winning goal early in the third period in Toronto's 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night. "He's the real deal," Maple Leafs coach Pat Quinn said about Tellqvist.
Morrsion lifts Canucks past Flames in OT (AP)
The Vancouver Canucks might look back on their overtime win over the Calgary Flames as the turning point of their season. At least Brendan Morrison hopes so after scoring a power-play goal with 2:53 left in the extra period to give Vancouver a 4-3 victory Saturday night. The Canucks had just two wins in their last 10 games entering the Northwest Division clash with the Flames.
Trading Paint: Welcome back
It's a new year, and NASCAR fans have plenty to say as the offseason rolls on.
Said and Lepage win bobsled races, Trickle flips (AP)
Boris Said and Kevin Lepage came out with victories, while Dick Trickle added another memorable chapter to his remarkable career. Said won the first race of the Chevrolet Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge on Saturday at Mount Van Hoevenberg, Lepage took the second race, and the 64-year-old Trickle got a turn named after him when he flipped his sled on consecutive runs.
France's Stephane Peterhansel wins seventh stage of Dakar Rally (AP)
Stephane Peterhansel of France won for the second time in the Dakar Rally, taking the seventh stage Friday in the grueling road race. Fellow Frenchman Luc Alphand was second, 4 minutes, 23 seconds behind, and claimed the overall lead with a time of 22 hours, 32 minutes, 41 seconds. He was followed by Peterhansel, 3 minutes,12 seconds behind.
NASCAR narrows potential Hall of Fame to three cities (AP)
NASCAR has narrowed the possible sites for its first official Hall of Fame to Atlanta, Charlotte or Daytona Beach, Fla., and expects to pick a winning city by the end of March.
Bill Elliott to race in Daytona 500 (SportsTicker)
MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (Ticker) - Bill Elliott was a long-time Ford driver who closed his career with Dodge. Now he will try a Chevrolet in the 2006 Daytona 500.
Elliott to enter Daytona 500 (AP)
Two-time Daytona 500 champion Bill Elliott will enter the race this year in a car fielded by MB2 Motorsports.
NASCAR drivers in a unique challenge -- piloting a bobsled (AP)
When NASCAR ace Ken Schrader was a kid, his father decided to make him a race car driver. Nearly a half-century later, Schrader will be in a bobsled to raise money for the Olympic-bound U.S. men's and women's teams. Schrader's father took an old truck axle, imbedded it vertically in concrete and strung a cable to little Kenny's go-kart.
Auto Racing 2005: Stewart grows up amid youth movement (SportsTicker)
MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (Ticker) - In a season where youth was not only served it was showcased, Tony Stewart topped the auto racing headlines by simply growing up.
NASCAR to restructure regional tours in 2007 (SportsTicker)
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (Ticker) - NASCAR announced Wednesday that it will restructure its regional touring series divisions beginning in 2007.
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