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Show DESERET NEWS, WEEKEND OF MARCH 23, Rockets get new life, defeat Stars 1 Connors moves to semis with ease GEORGE FERGUOH Angeles, tonight at Events Center Grass Deseret News sports writer By Ray One things finalized in the American Savings International Tenms Championships itll be a U.S. product thatll walk off with the singles. What started out as a good mixture of world talent, has narrowed down into an States semifinal Dan Pattlson Deseret New sports writer B A diffcn n! atmosphere prevailed m the Demer Rockas' dressing room Friday night. Coach Alex Hannum was beaming from After all, it s not every day that a club gets new life like the Rockets did at the Salt Last year it was an States crew, headed by Jimmy Connors, that went into the finals. Connors won that one without even working up a sweat. ear-to-e- This year theres a good chance the scene will be repeated. Connors is playing superb case last year, Connors is tennis. As was cutting through this challenger anost without Palace shouted Hannum jast unbelievable' Incredible things have with a b'g gnn. happi ried these last two nights. Its our biggest win of the year. he said about the Rockets' upset victory over the ABAs WestIt s te resistance. 105-10- Gerken, same 6-- Should you have any question about Connors supremacy, just sit in on one of his shows. a We havent had a break sis weeks, The big play, of course, was A1 Smiths We wanted Ralph Simpson to drive to the hoop, you know when he missed his layup. He got free on the dnvc and missed the shot. Connors a true pro. He has a lighthearted rapport with the fans that make his matches entertaining rather than tense. Velasco had no weaponry to combat Connors tennis power. Time after time Velasco would play to Connors backhand only t have the rtar bat the return with mcredable force and accuracy for the Alex continued three-pointe- was it described it unbelievable' The Stars had it chalked up at lead and fans up 1:32 remaining with a were making their way to the exits. But the Stars turned it over and Johnny Neumann fouled big Dave Robisch who scored a layup and a chanty toss with .52 left to make it 6-- Thus fa in his two meeting the storys the lefthander beat Fnday the Jairo Velasco, Colombia, It was only the second time in four years that the Rockets had defeated the Stars at the Salt Palace But it was probably their biggest victory m fighting for survival m the ABA West with San Diego. The Qs and Rockets are knotted now. Hannum 6-- two-fiste- d Jimmy Connors has become famous for his double-fiste- d backhand. score. Connors 8 p Bohrnstedt beat number four seeded Ian Before the match Crookerden, Crookenden was having trouble with his aakle. During the match you could tell it hrrierad his game Vitas Gerulaitis, New York, played ta the other singles semifinals with Billy Martin, Palos Verdes, Calif , early this afternoon. 6-- will play Dick Bohrnstedt, Lo6 6--3 Gerulaitis, Connors doubles partner, took out Salt Lakes sole survivor Jim Osboree o the best singles match logged Fnday. Then Gerulaitis was the first set, 4. Osborne tuned in and with strong service and smooth, controlled shots evened the match by 6-- 6-- winning, In the final set Gerulaitis ras just too strong He controlled the game from start to finish and won set and match, Martin had one of the easiest wins of the tourney He advanced over the number two seeded Jurgen Fassbe ruler m only eight games. Fass bender joined the long list of injured players in this meet when he twisted an ankle set. and had to retire in the In doubles Connors and Gerulaitis will take to the court at 9 30 p m. to play Marta and Christen Kuhnke, West Germany. The other semifinal doubles test was at 5 p m. and featured Frantisek Pali and Jan Pisecky, both of Czechoslovakia, against Ivan Molina and Velasco, both of Colombia. Melina and Velasco eliminated the doubles team of Osborne and F. D. Robbins Friday. The Salt Lake team lost the first set in th tie breaker, then rallied to win the second Molina and Velasco came back to advance with a 6--2 showing. 102-9- 7 Willie Wise came back with a foul pitch at :42. And the Stars had yet another chance to tuck it away with :18 left as Robisch fouled Gerald Govan. But he missed both attempts with :07 Then Smith swished a to tie it. three-point- Neumann threw an inbounds pass to Govan, which was high, and Beck grabbed it when it was tipped off Geralds hand. Denver called time. After the timeout, Smith hrew a deep pass to Robisch, who was fouled by Bruce Seals. Big Dave swished two of three attempts. We got two games home and we play well at home, veteran Pocket guard Steve Jones pointed out. Were more aggressive arid intense at home and I have to feel our chances are much better now. I think the difference came after the first quarter. The Stars first unit really moved the ball (the Stars jumped to a lead the first penod behind Ron Boones 12 points). Then they made some changes and didnt move the ball with J. J. (Janies Jones) and Go out. You cant fault Joe (coach Mullaney) in Jones asserted. Hes making substitutions, been trying to give the guys a rest. Maybe, though, weve been in too much of a pattern these past two weeks. He plays us the first quarter and comes in with the subs. We just blew it! Anytime you blow a five point lead with a minute and a half left, thats all you can say. The Stars play Memphis at the Coliseum tonight, 6:30, and at Indiana Sunday 25-1- 7 Mid-Sout- h afternoon, 12:10. News all-state- Miller has wide Eagle opportunity: Spurs 102-10- By Brent Checketts Deseret News spoio wnter Things six goals m the third penod to down Seattle at Denver. Last week, they beat the same Totems m Seattle. 3 couldnt get much tighter! Entering tonights Western Hockey League 7:30 Salt Palace contest between the Salt Lake Golden and Eagles Denver Spurs, only one point separates the top four teams. The Eagles sole possession of the top spot ended after one night Friday, as Portland downed San Diego in San e Diego to move into a tie with the Eagles at 16 points. Phoenix and San Diego 5--0 first-plac- have 75. With four of the;r next six games against the last place Denver Spurs, the Eagles appear to have an excellent chance to take over the top spot and put some breathing room between themselves and team. the second-plac- 3 The Eagles will have ace Gary Coalter back e stmt tonight after a with the parent California Golden Seals. goal-scorin- g two-gam- While Coalter will be coming back, however, defense-maRon Serafim has joined California for three games. n Many Eagles fans have been complaining shuttle serto California. vice call-up- s Some of those fans dont realize that in the NHL teams are required to suit up 18 players every game, Eagles general Rollins USU A1 manager-coac- h says. Fnday, they exploded for rs None of our guys who have gone up recently have stayed than three games, more except for Ron Huston and Paul Shakes, and theyll both be back for the two final season games with Phoenix, and the playoffs. Rollins said he will start Bob Champoux in goal tonight, but will go with Ted Tucker Sunday, when the same two teams play in Denver. That game in the Mde High City will begin at 7 pm. MDT and will be broadcast by KMOR (1230) and KALL-F- (94.0). gals drop two, on way home Deseret News special e The task may not be as easy as it initially seems, however. Despite the fact the are mathematically Spurs eliminated from the playoffs, they are playing their best hockey of the season right now. three With forwards and three defense-me- n out with currently Seals no rethe have injuries, course other than to call on our roster - For MANHATTAN, Kan. the first time in three years, the Utah State University girls basketball team will not place among the top 15 in the national collegiate womens cage tourney. The USU gals were beaten soundly in both outings in the tourney here and are eliminat- - ed from firal competition tonight. William Penn College of Iowa downed the Aggie gals in their first round game, while Illinois trounced 7 USU consolation com50-3- 4 74-4- a petition Diann Damall led USU scoring m the first game with seven points. so, at the rate Allen Miller, no relation to Johnny, slipped to a 72 Fnday after an opening round 68, and didnt seem too upset about it. I didnt play quite as well as I did Thursday, he said, but Im hitting a lot of good shots and a lot of greens. division champions of the 1974 Intermountain Area South LDS basketball tournament Fnday night at Deseret Gym. In the consolation division. Union 4th beat Ogden 58th, Bngham City 18th and whipped Henefer, Ephnam 4th nipped Cedar City 7th, East Mill Creek 2nd, led by Steve Belnap with 21 points, ascond put together a penod while holding Monument Park 13th to only two points, and then coasted to a 3 wm in the Explorer Division It was a galliant tournament win for the East Mill Creek youngsters who the night before overcame a seven-poin- t deficit m the laat 34 seconds to gain a berth m the championship round. 1, S&-5- 66-6- mid-vfa- y Stars-Rocket- s 55-4- contest. All the preps of the week and their coaches were guests of the Stars. Artists sketches from DeserNews Charles et artist along with special plaques, were passed out to the prep of the week winners. Nickerson, Earning MVP honors were Leslie Rosenvall, Gunnison, Class Scott Whittier, Bruce Morgan, Class Hardy, Bingham, Class and Brett Vroman, Provo, Class Named Coach of the Year was Morgan Highs Ron Abegglen, nosmg out several 4-- t. Four MVP's show off their hardware. From left, Scott Whittier, Morgan High; Leslie Rosenvall, Gunnison High; Brett Vroman, Provo High and Bruce Hardy, Bingham High. coaches m an unusually close A race. perennial state entrant with his Morgan squads, this year Abegglen capped 13 years of trying with state championa first-eve- r ship. His team posted an undefeated season and was noted for team play and balance Given a special service award for outstanding work with high school athletes was Bear River Coach retiring Durrell As head Hughes coach at Bear River for the 29 past years, Hughes achiev ed virtually every honor school basketball, in high including a slate championship in 1959. As guest speaker at the McDonald, an banquet, at Whitworth College veteran with and a three-yea- r his the Utah Stars un J y third-plac- e e Utah , Purdue in tight battles The Take for example. Purdue and Utah Boilermakers were right in the Big Ten title picture mto the last week. Utah was in the Western Athletic Conference battle right until the end Both are in the semifinals Purdue got there by upsettmg highly ranked North Carolina. We dont feel at all apologetic for takmg teams with the stature of Purdue and Utah. p There were many independents beyond those chosen records. Any team which finishes by the NCAA with 8 or better is good company. Purdue coach Fred Schaus offered: I think the CCA will not hurt the NIT. There has been such an influx of major college basketball talent over the past few years event for players and that we need another coaches. 18-- 8 18-- Though we are committed to send the second place CCA, well look forward to entry mto the NIT whenever possible. Ill tell you frankly, our players wanted to come here worse than they wanted to go to St. Louis. team to the Energy crisis doesnt hurt Garden Although gas has been very hard to get in New York, Madison Square Garden has not felt the energy pinch. Our new facility is nght m the hub of everything, Our attendance is up in everythmg. Wergeles explams. s Weve had 12 straight for New York Kmck games. sell-out- Were nght on top of three different subways, the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Long Island Railway, longest commuter system in the country. There have been a couple of pretty good collisions around Utah and Boston College basketball. Mike Sojourner collided with Scot Jones m practice. Jones wound up with 12 stitches over his left eye. Boston College coach Bob Zuffelato ran onto the court to join with his happy troops when they beat Connecticut in the last three seconds. Bob Carrington, Bostons forward, threw Its arm around wildly and caught his coach on the upper lip. Zuffelato has several loose front teeth. 6--6 Balanced scoring by the Provo 10th Ward, with four players hitting in double figures, enabled the Provo crew t halfto run up an aad then time lead, stave off a late rally to nip West Jordan 3rd, The two teams were at at the close of the first quarter and Provo led by five going mto the final star.za. Joel Wright led Prove scoring with 17 followed by Gary Madsen, 14. Larry Larson, 12. and Keith Heber, 11 and most exciting game, m offense Ogdens the championship bracket saw was led by Charles Anger Ogden 53rd down Valley View with 21 points. Big (6-Jeff to wm the title m Burchell had 10 7th, points but saw the new Young Adults Divi- only limited action because of sion. foul troubles Scott Coleman 18 and had Craig Barlow 17 to lead Ogden 53rd took an as Valley View couldnt find share scoring honors for the range. In fact, 4 05 had Valley View Gary Gocdnch of East Mill elapsed before a Valley View Creek 2nd won Most Valuable tanked its first goal. Player in the Explorer DiviBut after that, the pace sion. Keith Heber of Provo at 10th earned MVP m the Senpicked up and it was the close of the first penod. ior Division, and Charles Ogden, however, put its fast Anger was voted MVP for the break mto high gear and m Young Adults. the first two minutes of the Sportsmanship trophies went second stanza had increased to Hooper 2nd of the Explor0 and it ers, Provo lGth of the Semor its margin to looked like Valley View would Division, and Ephnam 4th m fast-brea- k 67-6- 8--0 14-1- 0 20-1- be blown off the court. the Young Adults Division. AAU title game tonight Deseret News special Jeff Congden had Levins. 25 lacks Shoes of will meet Nellie's Union 76 of Logan tomght at 9 for the championship of the 25th annual Helper Invitational basketball tomrney. HELPER Pnce eight-poin- ment last answered questions m the minds of the year, Be prepared for some McDonald changes, said, you may have to get used to play mg less m college, where all stars from everywhere gather to make up the team ... you 11 have t work hard for your position " Evaluate your ability," the and consider pro continued, carefully w here you 11 attend school. In many cases a snail college may be a wise choice, where you'll have a chance to pias more and develop your skills Also stressing the academic changes facing the McDonald warned the stars have a buttle m the they college class room as well as on the basketball floor 11 e LDS crowns cage champs East Mill Creek Ogden 53rd 2nd, Provo 10th and emerged e n SL, Ogden , Provo teams win By Gary R. Blodgett Deseret News sports wnter five players from each of four classes, receiver plaques at the banquet, and 16 of the 29 were introduced to 7,000 fins at the Salt Palace through the (Utah-Bosto- post-seaso- n Can anybody catch Miller, the year top money winner with $109,105 already banked? Yes, smiled Wadkins. Weve got 38 holes to go Wadkins fired his second straight 70 Fnday and it included a double bogey on the par-1- , 14th hole. I guess 1 just lost my concentration, he said after splashing a six iron into the water on 14. basketball careers, Utahs 20 first team and 14 prep of the week award winners were honored Fnday night at the annual Deseret News banquet at the Print Shop Restaurant and at halftime ceremonies m the Sal Palace. The 6Sth consecutive Dcser-- d News team, rndud-ih- g ; throwing them 12th ture ;ln addition, six special awards were given out at the banquet, including a Most Valuable Flayer award in each class, a Utah Basketball Coach of the Year award and a distinguished service award. hes I really threw away strokes, said the leader after missing several birdie putts on the back nine. I could have set a course record. He had buds on the fourth, fifth, 11th aad With former Utah Star Rod McDonald on hand, passing out hints concerning them fu- tourney. After the initial shock wore off, though, and after St. Louis, we seeing our attendance results and those m are no longer that concerned. ColGoing into the semifinals Saturday we are averaging 14,688 fans lege, Jacksonville-Purdue- ) per game, 680 over our average last year The commissession, fallsioners tourney totaled 13,018 for the four-daand last first the between off night,. sharply ing There are those who said too, that the CCA would charge the NIT to a national mdependance tournament It is conceivable that the CCA will open more spots for independents uto the MT But we will still continue to look conference teams witch are virtually hard at on a par with first and second-placclubs. Pac-Eig- The talented golfer carved his 67 out of the second straight swampy, sandy Harbour Town course Friday lead over Lanny Wadtans for a fat and Allen Miller after two rounds. By Lee Benson Deseret News sports wnter post-seaso- once this season. will only wm by a dozen. honored at banquet basThe NIT is the oldest major college ketball tournament and we figured we deserved better treatment than that. It took eight choice teams out of our Pae-Eig- HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC. (UPI) -Johnny Miller says with a straight face that hes throwing away strokes in the $200,000 Heritage Golf Classic. thats Square Garden. I was especially t.cked off when they made it mandasecond place teams in the involved conferences to for tory go to the CCA. We were disappointed we didnt get a Pacific Eight to go anydisallowed its runner-uteam. The where until this year. Now. its committed to the CCA. But Utah drubbed Southern California, the runner-up- , missing birdies If I have to admit we were a little NEW YORK shaken when the Commissioners Conference Association announced its new basketball tournament in St. Louis, said Jim Wergeles, supervisor of basketball at Madison third-plac- lead despite away, he CCA doesn't worry NIT m. m the Utah Special 6-- Last year he played only one three-sette- r (the first round). In the final he beat Paul beern Division kingpin Utah Stars, fore 7,4.18 fans, who would agree with Hannum It was incredible! But Bjron Beck got the rebound and threw it out and Smitty buned it. The shot had eyes' 6A 974 34-2- 58-5- eead-locke- d 12-a- ll Probably the best-playe- Jacks earned the finals Fnday night by downing Valley motor of Pnce Dan Cowan, who last year was tourney MVP, led the Jacks attack with 39 points. 90-8- Logan downed Levins In- surance of Provo for the nght io advance to the finals. 95-S- Logan was led by the Tnomp-sobrothers of Smnhfield Ken had 33 points. Rod had n 20 for In consolation, Traceys Conoco of Emery plays Pay Day Drug of San Juan. That game will start at 6:30 p m . |