NCAA:
The inaugural Bahamas Bowl ended when a near miracle comeback by Central Michigan on a record-setting day by quarterback Cooper Rush fell just short as Western Kentucky prevailed 49-48 when Rush's two-point conversion pass fell incomplete. Down by 35 points with 12 minutes remaining, Central Michigan scored the final five touchdowns of the game Wednesday, including a three-lateral, 75-yard dazzler on the final play. Central Michigan rolled the dice, going for a two-point conversion to win, but the pass failed.
In what could have been called the Rebound Bowl, Rice defeated Fresno State 30-6 in the Hawaii Bowl in a matchup of teams that both started the season with three straight losses. QB Driphus (DRY'-fuhs) Jackson threw for 318 yards and three TDs for Rice, which finished the season 8-5.
In top 25 men’s college basketball, George Washington is up against No. 11 Wichita State at 8:30 today. Elsewhere Depaul sees Loyola Marymount at 1:30, Ohio is up against Nebraska at 4, and then Colorado is in Hawaii at 6:30.
NBA:
For sports fans craving live action, there are five NBA games on Christmas Day. It starts with Washington playing the 5-25 Knicks at Madison Square Garden at noon and concludes with the 23-4 Golden State Warriors hosting the L.A. Clippers, who are five games back of the Warriors in the Pacific Division.
Anderson Varejao's season has ended, dealing a major blow to the Cavaliers' NBA title hopes. Cleveland's starting center tore his left Achilles tendon Tuesday night in a win over Minnesota, an injury that will cost him the rest of this season and will force the Cavs to look for immediate help up front.
NFL:
NFL fans and fantasy football owners debating 38-year-old Peyton Manning's prowess and problems can continue that discussion well into the new year. The five-time MVP says he plans to return to the Denver Broncos in 2015 for an 18th NFL season.
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