On a roll

Well, win number 5 was the order of the night last night for the Pistons, as they took care of the Charlotte Bobcats, 104-95. It wasn't all that easy, though, as it was a close game throughout, with the 'Stones pulling ahead for good towards the end of the game. Why was the game so close, you ask? Matt freaking Carroll, that's why. Who's that, you ask? Good question, I'm sure the Pistons were asking the same thing after he dropped 18 on them last night. And with Chauncey Billups mis-firing for most of the night, winning was a chore instead of a breeze. But, nonetheless, mission accomplished, and the Pistons can look forward to tonights game at Washington, as they go for win #6 in a row.

The Wings were not so lucky last night, however, falling to the St. Louis Blues in a shootout, 3-2. The Wings fought back to even tie the game last night, with D Nicklas Lidstrom blasting a power play talley 1/2 way through the 3rd period, but it was not to be. Ex-Wings G Manny Legace stopped shots from Pavel Datsyuk and Jason Williams in the shootout to secure the win for the Blues. The Wings are now 0-1-3 in their last 4 games (after their 9 game winning streak), and hope to turn it around against Nashville tonight.

The basketball Wolverines kept their streak going this afternoon, winning their 7th in a row, 66-52 against Maryland-Baltimore County. C Courtney Sims led the way for the Wolverines, going for 18pts, 12 boards against the Retrievers. Not a huge win against UMBC, but after shooting 9-24 in the 1st half, it was lucky we escaped with a win at all, but Michigan is starting to be known for its stout defense, and got the key stops when needed to come away with the victory. However, the first test of the season comes up on Monday, when Michigan goes on its first road trip to NC State to take on the Wolfpack in the ACC/Big 10 challenge. The Big 10 has never won the challenge, and hopefully they can change that this year, and also hopefully the Wolverines can do their part.

And finally, Arsenal cannot win at the Reebok, falling to Bolton Wanderers 3-1 this afternoon. Former gunner Nicolas Anelka struck twice for the Wanderers, who in the past 3 years in all competitions have won 1-0, 1-0, this 3-1 victory, and drew 2-2 back in 2003 against Arsenal. Gilberto had a thunderous header before the half to see the Gunners just down 1, but Arsenal could not make up the difference, and Anelka added to the misery in the 76th minute, sealing the points for Bolton. Arsenal always seemed short of scoring options without the services of Thierry Henry, Tomas Rosicky (both to injury), and Robin van Persie (suspension). Lots of passes, no shots, and it seems to be a pattern (well that, and falling behind 1-nil early on and having to claw back into matches, also a disheartening fact). Arsenal will try to change all of that on Wednesday, when they face inter-city rivals Fulham at Craven Cottege, usually a place of good luck for the Gunners, unlike the hell-hole that the Reebok stadium seems to be.

Wings, Stones, and more tomorrow