Purdue coach Matt Painter talking about holding Minnesota to a field goal percentage of 27.6 percent in last night’s 70-62 win over the Gophers: “You hold them to 28 percent. There’s no way I thought that would happen.”
Among the spectators at last night’s sold out Gopher game were Timberwolves Brian Cardinal (former Purdue player) and Kevin Love, along with New York Times best selling author Harvey Mackay.
Mr. Basketball chairman Ken Lien, who has traveled the state for years scouting players, experienced a first this week. He watched Spring Lake Park make 17 three point shots in an 85-81 loss to Cooper.
Team president Dave St. Peter told Sports Headliners he hopes to have Michael Cuddyer at TwinsFest this weekend even though the Twins’ outfielder has been sick with food poisoning.
Forward Nick Schultz said on WCCO Radio’s Sports Huddle show on Sunday that he couldn’t attend Justin Morneau’s wedding earlier this month because the Wild was playing in Columbus. Schultz said his wife Jessica did attend the wedding of Justin and his girl friend Krista. Schultz is a baseball fan and has taken batting practice with the Twins at the Metrodome.
Morneau, who loves hockey, signed a reported six year $80 million deal with the Twins last year. Meanwhile, Phillies’ first baseman Ryan Howard (48 home runs, 146 RBI and .251 average last year) is asking for $18 million this season through arbitration, according to www.mlb.com. Morneau, who won the American League MVP in 2006 when Howard was the National League MVP, hit 23 home runs, with 129 RBI and a .300 average last season.
Third baseman Garrett Atkins, whose name has drawn speculation as a possible third baseman for the Twins, asked Colorado for $7.95 million while the Rockies countered with $6.65 million, per mlb.com. That’s likely too rich for the Twins.
Free agent third baseman Joe Crede, who hit 17 home runs in 97 games last season with the White Sox, seems a better possibility for the Twins. He makes $5.1 million, according to www.espn.go.com.
Gopher football coach Tim Brewster said reports of future games against USC are premature and a contract hasn’t been signed. Brewster remains interested in scheduling outstanding teams including Texas.
All of coach Brad Childress‘ assistant coaches are under contract for next season and he said that because there’s now so much player movement in the NFL it’s important to have effective instructors on the staff. He said it’s “critical” that assistants are good teachers because many players are only with a team for a few years.
Canterbury Park’s “Canterbury College,” a free five class series to improve handicapping skills, begins February 15. Canterbury Park’s Jeff Maday, part of the “faculty” along with Kevin Gorg, Dark Star and Paul Allen, said maximum enrollment will be 120 and 110 are already enrolled. More information is available by e-mailing jmaday@canterburypark.com