.
NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) β The inaugural Bahamas Bowl ended when a nearly miracle comeback for Central Michigan on a record-setting day by quarterback Cooper Rush fell just short as Western Kentucky prevailed 49-48 when Rush’s two-point conversion pass fell incomplete. Down by 35 points with 12 minutes remaining, Central Michigan scored the final five touchdowns of the game, including a three-lateral, 75-yard dazzler on the final play. Central Michigan rolled the dice, going for a two-point conversion to win, but the pass failed.
HONOLULU (AP) β In what could have been called the Rebound Bowl, Rice defeated Fresno State 30-6 in the Hawaii Bowl in a matchup of teams that both started the season with three straight losses. QB Driphus (DRY’-fuhs) Jackson threw for 318 yards and three TDs for Rice, which finished the season 8-5.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) β NFL fans and fantasy football owners debating 38-year-old Peyton Manning’s prowess and problems can continue that discussion well into the new year. The five-time MVP says he plans to return to the Denver Broncos in 2015 for an 18th NFL season.
CLEVELAND (AP) β Anderson Varejao’s (VAR’-eh-zhaoz) season has ended, dealing a major blow to the Cavaliers’ NBA title hopes. Cleveland’s starting center tore his left Achilles tendon Tuesday night in a win over Minnesota, an injury that will cost him the rest of this season and will force the Cavs to look for immediate help up front.
UNDATED (AP) β For sports fans craving live action, there are five NBA games on Christmas Day. It starts with Washington playing the 5-25 Knicks at Madison Square Garden (noon Eastern Time) and concludes with the 23-4 Golden State Warriors hosting the L.A. Clippers, who are five games back of the Warriors in the Pacific Division.
