Cowboys Roll Past Lions
(Arlington, TX) — Dak Prescott completed 15-of-20 passes and tossed three scores as the Cowboys cruised past the Lions 42-21 in Arlington. Dez Bryant also threw a touchdown pass to go along with two touchdown receptions in the winning effort. Ezekiel Elliot found the end zone twice on the ground, while averaging better than six-yards per carry. Dallas outscored Detroit 21-0 in the second half and improved to 13-and-2 overall. Zach Zenner rushed for two touchdowns in defeat. The Lions dropped to 9-and-6, missing an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth.
>>Bears Turning Attention To Vikings
(Lake Forest, IL) — The Bears are turning their attention to Sunday’s season finale against the Vikings. Chicago was throttled by Washington, 41-21, in its home finale last Saturday. The Bears are just 3-and-12 on the year.
>>Colts Do Not Plan On Sitting Players In Final Game
(Indianapolis, IN) — The Colts are officially eliminated from playoff contention but they plan on playing Week 17 like they have all year. Coach Chuck Pagano said they will not be resting any players in the final game of the season. Two players are questionable heading into this weeks preparations. Wide receiver Donte Moncrief underwent an MRI on his shoulder and cornerback Darius Butler is in the league’s concussion protocol. The season wraps up on Sunday with the Jaguars in Indy.
Bulls Hold Off Pacers
(Chicago, IL) — Dwyane Wade scored 21 points and the Bulls held on for a 90-85 win over the Pacers in Chicago. Nikola Mirotic collected 20 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Bulls, who improved to 15-and-16. Aaron Brooks netted a team-high 19 for Indiana, which dropped to 15-and-17 with its third straight loss. Paul George had 14 points and eight assists.
The Pacers will have an opportunity to snap their three-game slide against the Wizards tomorrow in Washington. Indy’s last victory was against the Wizards at Bankers Life Fieldhouse eight days ago. Tipoff will be 7 o’clock at the Verizon Center.
Eagles Hold Off Terrapins
(Detroit, MI) — Boston College held on for a 36-30 win over Maryland in the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit. Patrick Towles threw two touchdown passes and caught another for the Eagles, who led by 23 in the third quarter. BC ends the year 7-and-6. Perry Hills passed for 229 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for the Terrapins, who finish the season 6-and-7. Ty Johnson rushed for 159 yards and two scores in defeat.
>>Blackhawks Host Jets
(Chicago, IL) — The Blackhawks battle the Jets at the United Center tonight. Chicago has been off since suffering a 2-1 overtime loss to the Avalanche last Friday. The ‘Hawks have dropped their last two games to enter the week 22-9-and-5 on the season.
>>Blues Host Flyers Wednesday
(St. Louis, MO) — The Blues return from Christmas break tomorrow with a home game against the Flyers. St. Louis lost its final game before the break 5-2 at Tampa Bay on Thursday. The Blues are third in the Central Division with 41 points, five behind Minnesota and eight behind Chicago.
>>New Rankings Released, No Movement For Local Squads
(Undated) — The latest edition of the ‘USA Today” Coaches Poll is out and nothing has changed for the local teams. Butler came in at number-13, Purdue is 15th, Indiana is still 16th, and Notre Dame remains number-24. Villanova is still first, followed by UCLA, Kansas, Baylor, and Duke to round out the top-five.
>>Illinois Visits Maryland
(College Park, MD) — Illinois opens up Big Ten play on the road tonight against Maryland. The Illini wrapped up non-conference play with a 75-66 win over Missouri last Wednesday. Illinois has won its last six games to enter tonight’s affair 10-and-3 on the season. Meanwhile, all the locals had last night off.