Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 4.4.25
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Loons could potentially take over first in the West with a win at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
Gopher gymnastics is into the NCAA regional finals.
Wolves, ANT Escape from Brooklyn Unscathed
The Wolves survived a trap game in more ways than one. They shook off a freak Anthony Edwards injury (he’s fine) and didn’t have a hangover from Tuesday’s double OT win in Denver. Minnesota beat Brooklyn 105-90 on the road last night and still can’t find themselves in the top six.
How’s this for a crazy final two weeks of the season?
3 - Nuggets
4 - Lakers -.5
5 - Warriors -1
6 - Grizzlies -1.5
7 - Wolves - 1.5
8 - Clippers -2.5
Yes, six teams separated by 2.5 games for third through eighth. The Wolves have a game left against the Grizz, so they technically are in charge of their own destiny for sixth. But they could conceivably catch Denver for third (unlikely with so many teams in between).
Edwards rolled an ankle on Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez and went down in a hurry. He briefly went to the locker room but was none the worse for the wear, leading Minnesota’s rout with 28 points. Rudy Gobert continued his amazing run with 21 points and *18rebounds. The way they’re going, the Wolves can beat anyone in April, May and maybe June.
The Wolves will look for a fifth straight win Saturday at a terrible 76ers team. Minnesota has five games left and a favorable schedule.
Another Road Point for Wild
It’s not exciting, but if the Wild keeps getting the loser point over their final six games, they’re going to make the playoffs.
Minnesota blew a 2-1, end of first period lead, and needed a Marco Rossi third-period goal to force OT before ultimately falling 5-4 in overtime to the Rangers on Wednesday.
The Wild plays at a sliding Islanders team tonight. Still no timetable for the return of Kirill Kaprizov or Joel Eriksson Ek. Minnesota has a five-point lead on Calgary for the final playoff spot. St. Louis has passed the WIld, and if the playoffs started today they’d play (and lose to) Winnipeg.
Twins Lose Home Opener 5-2
The Twins are going to have to win some games this season when they score just two runs. The home opener wasn’t one of them, as the Twins went hitless over the final six innings in a 5-2 loss to the Astros. Fans in attendance will remember Jose Altuve’s five strikeouts more than the result of this game for sure.
Entering play Thursday, all five AL Central teams were 2-4. It’s going to be a war of attrition all season in the Central. The series against Houston takes today off, with games Saturay and Sunday at Target Field.
GWBB Takes WBIT
Don’t poo poo the Gophers’ WBIT title. Any coach will take a handful of extra games - especially wins - in the post-season. Minnesota’s run culminated with a 75-63 win over Belmont on Wednesday in Indianapolis in the WBIT Final. Tori Mckinney scored 26 points. This team fully expects to be in the NCAA’s next year.
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