Sports
Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic defeats San Antonio Spurs 127-111
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Magic is taking on the visiting San Antonio Spurs at KIA stadium on Thursday night.
Pregame Press Conference
It’s one thing to go over stats and numbers of the season and a game or games, let’s also include experience to widen the perspective….
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
First was the pregame interviews, both coaches give about 4 minutes for questions each. It was very telling by the mood and demeanor of the San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich there was room for more focus on defense with his team. According to NBA.COM Popovich is in his 26th season as the Spurs head coach. Currently, he is the longest-tenured active coach in all four U.S. major sports leagues.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
The pregame interview for the Orlando magic coach Jamahl Mosley was positive and had lots of confidence. National Basketball Coaches Association states Mosley is the Head Coach of the Orlando Magic. On July 11, 2021, Mosley became the 14th Head Coach* in Magic history.
Pregame Show
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
From a fans view game time is at 6:30 pm sharp this night. Opening program is the Columbia Elementary Rocketeers Chorus.
At 6:38 pm follows Horizon West Middle School Boys Chorus.
6:45 pm teams come out onto the court, after the Spurs there is great fan fare and celebration of the Orlando Magic team. This is their court or their house which is often cheered throughout the game. During opening announcements of sponsors and supported events the theme for this night was the recognition of Black History Month. The whole stadium flashed in bright red, green and yellow which in the last couple decades often signifies in reference to Black American History. Both teams pullover shirts were black with large white bold letters also celebrating Black History Month. The audience was more than excited for all the festivities.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
Invited by the Orlando Magic executives, next was Jasmin Rhia. Rhia is a professional violinist from Atlanta Georgia, also the founder of the company Artist Morality Records. After the audience was asked to please rise, Rhia played the Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing solo on her violin. Fans were asked to continue to stand for the National Anthem.
With exceptional showmanship the whole arena is at the height of excitement for all the fan fare and applause. Be reassured that all ages from very young to well lived would have an excellent time even though the game has yet to start at this point.
Magic v. Spurs
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
The one most celebrated Orlando Magic player is Paolo Banchero. Banchero stands at 6ft 10in, about 250lbs, was the first pick in round one for the NBA Draft in 2022 from Duke University. Banchero accomplishments thus far has struck a fever pitch of anticipation of what’s to come for the future. Banchero is currently 21 years old so there’s lots to look forward to in Banchero’s coming career.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
7:14 pm Magic scores first which sets the tone for the whole evening. Spurs took some time to get anything on the board. Magic was already at 11 points before the Spurs was able to get 3 points on the board. Once Spurs finally scored the Magic switch was flipped, the game became intense to the point where Carter of the Magic and Sochan of the Spurs have a little tussle causing Magic to be able to take a foul shot. Score is 14 – 10 for the Magic. Magic and Spurs tie at 20 points with 10 seconds left to the first quarter. Ingles for the Magic didn’t let the tie stand and with seconds to spare first quarter ends 23 to 20 for the Magic.
During the recess between first quarter and second quarter, Orlando Magic executives took this time to thank Bo Outlaw for his 8 seasons he played for them. Outlaw originally from San Antonio Texas retired from the NBA for the 2007 to 2008 Season with the Orlando Magic. Outlaw was presented with a commemorative jacket.
Second quarter begins and the Magic spirits are not only high but very determined. At this point in the game can only look back on what Popovich stated earlier in the evening as a prediction to what was to come. Scores stayed close throughout the quarter but at no time did the Magic ever loose their lead. Now the Magic focuses on how many points ahead they can maintain. There’s a few fouls and a team time out called during second quarter. Popovich is visibly looking concerned. Second quarter ends 61 to 44 for the Magic.
The halftime show is no more of the same, this is not your grandpa’s NBA halftime. Performances were second to none. On Pointe Dance Academy, local dance school to Orlando FL did not disappoint with their spectacular choreography. There were additional mini games that included fan participation for prizes to be won as well.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
Third quarter begins, Spurs try to change their game tactics to no avail. With every score the Spurs acquire the Magic is able to take the ball often and score as well. Score sitting at 85 to 65 for the Magic time out is called with 4m 11s left in the quarter. Spurs are trying everything in every playbook they have. The Magic is prepared and ready for all of it. Third quarter ends with 98 to 85 on the board.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
Fourth quarter begins, too many teams often get over confident and start to slack off on working hard, staying consistent to see the game through. The Magic with Coach Mosley’s leadership doesn’t let anything like that happen. Even during the final quarter of this game the Magic stays the course and gives no space for errors. One point in the game the spread was at 23 points.
The frustration began to really mount for the visiting team. Coach Popovich even calls a coach challenge on an out of bounds call for a previous play. At 4m 20s score is at 117 to 97 for the Magic. Time is getting short for this final quarter. Magic calls a time out at 2m 53s on the clock. Score is at 121 to 102 for the Magic. Believing in Coach Mosley and the Orlando Magic players it can be seen they are not going to relent. This will be a win for the home team. Game ends with scores at 127 to 111 for the Magic.
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Angel Perry a contributor writer for Florida National News. Contact Angel at sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
NEW YORK CITY, NY (FNN SPORTS) – LIV Golf plans to begin winding down operations Monday, Nov. 9, following five years and more than $5 billion in spending.
Attorney Matthew Williams outlined the league’s plans during a bankruptcy court hearing Thursday, Nov. 5, in New Jersey. The process includes selling its remaining assets.
“We believe the wind down path is the best path,” Williams told the court.
LIV Golf confirmed the decision after a proposed restructuring deal fell through. The league said it will continue considering alternatives during the shutdown process.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — On Monday November 2, at the Yuengling Center, the South Florida women’s basketball team opened with a successful debut undernew head coach Kristy Curry.
The Bulls established control early with a 9–0 opening run, taking a 27–12 lead after the first quarter. Furman narrowed the margin before halftime, but South Florida maintained a 46–32 advantage heading into the break.
A dominant third quarter proved decisive, as USF outscored Furman 23–9 to extend its lead to 69–41 entering the fourth.
Balanced Scoring Leads the Bulls
Stefanie Ingram led South Florida with 15 points, followed by Hannah Kohn with 13 and Kendall Puryear with 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Bulls placed six players in double figures, shot 51.6 percent from the field and controlled the boards with a 48–25 rebounding advantage.
A Winning Debut for Kristy Curry
The victory marked Curry’s first win leading South Florida after arriving from Alabama.
Ahead of the season opener, Curry expressed confidence in the program’s potential:
“I’m so excited to be here. I truly think the sky’s the limit at USF.”
— Kristy Curry, USF Head Coach, in pregame remarks published by USF Athletics.
South Florida (1–0) will face Belmont on Friday, November 6, in Nashville, Tennessee.
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Bulls overcome early deficit behind defensive touchdowns and a record-tying performance from C.J. Hicks.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The University of South Florida (USF) secured its sixth victory of the season Saturday, October 31, defeating the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) 30–10 at Raymond James Stadium. The victory improved the Bulls’ record to 6–2 overall and 2–2 in American Conference play, making the program bowl-eligible for the fourth consecutive season.
Defense Turns the Game Around
UAB opened the game with a 10–0 first-quarter lead, but South Florida responded with 30 unanswered points, highlighted by two defensive touchdowns.
Defensive end C.J. Hicks delivered one of the game’s most significant performances, recording four sacks to tie the USF single-game record. Two of those sacks forced fumbles that resulted in touchdowns.
Late in the second quarter, Hicks forced a fumble by UAB quarterback Ryder Burton, allowing USF defender Asani Redwood to recover the football and return it six yards for a touchdown. The play gave South Florida a 17–10 halftime lead.
Asani Redwood and UAB #71 UAB defensive lineman #71 attempts to tackle USF’s Asani Redwood during the October 31, 2026, matchup at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Photo by Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
Hicks created another scoring opportunity in the fourth quarter, forcing a second fumble that linebacker Grayson Howard recovered and returned 13 yards for a touchdown, extending USF’s lead to 27–10.
South Florida’s defense finished with six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, limiting UAB to just 177 total offensive yards, including 17 rushing yards.
Offensive Adjustments Provide Momentum
Following an injury to starting quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., sophomore Luke Kromenhoek entered the game and helped shift momentum in South Florida’s favor.
Luke Kromenhoek (#17) USF quarterback Luke Kromenhoek (#17) carries the football while facing pressure from a UAB defender during the Bulls’ 30–10 victory at Raymond James Stadium on October 31, 2026. Photo by Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
Kromenhoek finished with a career-high 92 rushing yards, including a 42-yard run that helped establish the Bulls’ offensive rhythm.
Running back Jason Collins Jr. added a six-yard rushing touchdown late in the second quarter to tie the game at 10–10.
Kicker Nico Gramatica contributed three field goals, connecting from 31, 30 and 33 yards to help secure the victory.
Bowl Eligibility Marks Another Program Milestone
With its sixth win, South Florida secured bowl eligibility for the fourth consecutive season, matching the second-longest such streak in program history.
The accomplishment allows USF to qualify for postseason bowl consideration, although an official bowl invitation and destination have yet to be determined.
The victory also kept the Bulls competitive in the American Conference standings, with four regular-season games remaining following the UAB matchup.
Looking Ahead
USF will return to conference competition Friday, November 6, traveling to face East Carolina as the Bulls continue their pursuit of a stronger conference finish and a postseason bowl invitation.
Final Score: USF 30, UAB 10
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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