Pacers suffer worst home loss
INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Elton Brand scored 19 points and the Los Angeles Clippers held Indiana to a franchise-worst first half Wednesday night while downing the Pacers, 102-68.
Bobby Simmons added 18 points for the Clippers, who had lost at Indiana 11 straight times.
It was Indiana's first loss of the season and the Pacers' most one-sided home setback since they joined the NBA.
Los Angeles outscored Indiana in the second period, 31-7, and the Clippers owned a 55-27 halftime lead.
The seven points were the fewest the Pacers have ever scored in the second quarter and the 27 were their least ever in the first half.
Indiana's previous worst home loss was a 136-104 drubbing at the hands of Portland in 1988.
Cavaliers stage huge comeback
CLEVELAND, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- LeBron James helped rally Cleveland from a 19-point, fourth-quarter deficit Wednesday night to a 114-109 overtime victory over Phoenix.
James scored 38 points as the Cavaliers, after fans began leaving Gund Arena, staged an amazing comeback. Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 24 and Drew Goodson had 16 points and a career-best 21 rebounds.
Phoenix had six players in double figures, led by Shawn Marion with 22 and Quentin Richardson with 21.
Steve Nash hit two free throws with 7.6 seconds left in regulation to give Phoenix a 99-96 lead, but Ilgauskas hit a three-pointer with 3.6 seconds to go that forced overtime.
Cleveland dominated the extra period with James hitting a layup that gave the Cavaliers an eight-point lead with 90 seconds left.
Louisville protects national ranking
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Stefan LeFors threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns Wednesday night in carrying 14th-ranked Louisville past Texas Christian, 55-28.
Two of the touchdown passes went to J.R. Russell, who had 107 receiving yards as Louisville remained unbeaten in five Conference USA games. The Cardinals won their third straight and improved to 7-1 for the season.
Louisville scored on its first two possessions and then recovered a fumbled kickoff, which it converted into a field goal and a 17-0 advantage.
TCU (4-5, 2-4) lost for the third time in four games. Tye Gunn completed eight of 16 with two touchdowns for the Horned Frogs.
It was the first Louisville victory over TCU in four meetings.
Cox, Showalter named top managers
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Bobby Cox and Bucky Showalter have been named the major leagues' top managers for 2004, it was announced Wednesday.
Cox, manager of the Atlanta Braves, received 22 first-place votes and 140 points for National League Manager of the Year. Tony LaRussa of the St. Louis Cardinals was second.
Showalter got the American League award with 14 first-place votes and 101 points. Ron Gardenhire of the Minnesota Twins was second.
The choices were made in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Cox, 63, one of the winningest managers in baseball history, has led the Braves to 13 straight division titles. He has won the top manager award three times.
Showalter, 48, guided the Rangers to third place in the AL West after four straight years in last. He has received the top manager honor twice.
NASCAR to allow liquor sponsorships
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- NASCAR announced Wednesday that beginning next year it will permit sponsorships and advertising by companies producing hard liquor.
Over the years, NASCAR teams have been allowed to advertise beer and malt beverages but not hard liquor.
NASCAR President Mike Helton said "the time was right" to change the policy.
"Attitudes have changed, and spirits companies have a long record of responsible advertising," Helton said.
NASCAR officials said they were confident that companies producing hard liquor "will communicate the same responsible marketing and messages that beer companies have exhibited in the sport for the past 25 years."
