BOSTON (AP) - The Boston Celtics held Orlando to a franchise-low in points by routing the Magic 87-56 despite playing without star guards Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo (RAH'-zhahn RAHN'-doh). Dwight Howard had 18 points and 14 boards for the Magic, who made just 16 baskets all night.
CINCINNATI (AP) - Syracuse avoided its first losing streak of the season by bouncing back from its first defeat in 21 games to beat Cincinnati 60-53 last night. That's coach Jim Boeheim's (BAY'-hymz) 877th career win, moving him ahead of legendary Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp into third place all time on the Division 1 coaching parade.
DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit Red Wings are on the NHL's longest home winning streak in 36 years after beating St. Louis 3-1 last night for their 17th straight win at Joe Louis Arena. Pavel Datsyuk (PAH'-vuhl DAT'-sook) and Johan Franzen scored in the second period for the Red Wings, who've won seven in a row overall and lead the NHL with 67 points.
NEW YORK (AP) - Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (oh-VECH'-kin) has been suspended for three games for a charging incident in which he launched himself to hit Pittsburgh defenseman Zbynek Michalek (zuh-BEE'-nihk muh-KAHL'-ihk) during Sunday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Penguins. Based on his average annual salary, Ovechkin will forfeit $154,677 for the three games he's out.
NEW YORK (AP)- A New York Yankees mainstay for 17 seasons is hanging 'em up today. Catcher Jorge Posada (HOR'-hay poh-SAH'-dah), who helped the Yanks win five World Series titles, is retiring with a .273 career batting average with 275 home runs and 1,065 RBIs.
