Sports
NBA: Bryant Shoots Down Rockets
Kobe Bryant scored 41 points to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-102 overtime victory at the Houston Rockets.
Andrew Bynum made three successive free throws for the NBA champion Lakers (4-1) in the extra session, including one that broke a 102-102 tie with 24 seconds remaining.
“We have experience in winning games and toughing it out,” Los Angeles forward Lamar Odom said.
“Kobe did a great job of taking over the game offensively and Bynum dominated the game with his rebounding.”
Bynum finished with 17 points and 17 rebounds while the Rockets had six players in double figures, Carl Landry leading the home team with 20.
Former Rockets’ forward Ron Artest scored a three-pointer that put the Lakers up 92-89 with 30 seconds remaining before Houston’s Trevor Ariza, who helped the Lakers to last season’s NBA title, answered with his own three-pointer to force overtime.
“It was poetic justice that both (players) had a chance to make big shots,” said Lakers coach Phil Jackson. “I thought we had the game in hand (with Artest’s shot). It was a great game.”
Bryant, the MVP of last season’s NBA Finals, made 15-of-30 shots from the field in his 98th career 40-point effort.
The Lakers trailed by seven early in the fourth before Bryant made 10 points in a row for his team. In overtime he twice put the Lakers ahead with jump shots and tallied six points in the extra session.
Houston’s (3-2) Ariza had 15 points and nine rebounds while Chuck Hayes had 14 points and 14 rebounds. Luis Scola finished with 16 and 13.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”
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