The Morning Call from Allentown, Pennsylvania • 38

C8 THE MORNING CALL, SUNDAY. JANUARY 13, 2002 OTDeUti leads Tsgsir frails by 1 on New Zealand Tomlbeirwolwes NBA ROUNDUP i One night after beating the Lakers, Minnesota tops Jordan's Wizards. From Call wire services One night after handling Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, the Minnesota Timberwolves swept aside Michael Jordan to win then-eighth straight game. Kevin Garnett had 31 points, seven assists and six rebounds Saturday night as the Timber-wolves followed up their 18-point victory over the Los Angeles Lakers with a 108-100 win over the Washington Wizards. Chauncey Billups scored 19 of his season-high 29 points in the first quarter, giving the Timbef-wolves an early lead they never relinquished.

Billups also ended the Wizards' last hope of a comeback with the game's final points, a 3-pointer with 42.6 seepnds remaining. Jordan scored 35 points and was a thrill to watch in the first half as he made his first flashy dunk of the season and toyed with Garnett on three straight possessions. But Jordan scored only nine points and went just 4-of-13 from the field in the second half, finishing the night 14-for-30 with five turnovers in 40 minutes. JahidTfahite scored a season-high 22 points for the Wizards, whose recent hot streak has hit a NICK WASS Associated Press Washington's Michael Jordan (23) dribbles past Minnesota's Kevin Garnett Saturday night. Garnett had the last laugh.

reality check with losses on back-to-back nights to Milwaukee on the road and Minnesota at home. Washington had won seven straight at the MCI Center. Celtics 115, Hawks 91: At Atlanta, Paul Pierce scored 31 points and Antoine Walker added 23 as Boston beat the Hawks. The Celtics, who improved to 14-1 when they score 100 points, had lost two straight to Atlanta and entered the game with just two wins in their last seven on the road. With DerMarr Johnson, Emanu-al Davis and Dion Glover each going 0-for-3, the Hawks finished just 2-for-18 on 3-point attempts.

Atlanta has lost three straight. Pistons 104, Hornets 76: At Auburn Hills, Jerry Stackhouse scored 27 points, and Cliff Robinson added 21 to help Detroit beat Charlotte and end a three-game slide. The 28-point victory matched Detroit's biggest of the year and was just the Pistons' third win in 15 games. It ended the Hornets' season-high three-game winning streak. Nets 91 Magic 85: At Orlando, reserve Lucious Harris scored 20 points, and Jason Kidd led a late charge as New Jersey won its fourth straight.

Kidd had six of his 14 points in BASEBALL Noting that three former commissioners called the loan a possible conflict of interest, the newspaper said in an editorial that "it turns out that not only are Selig and Pohlad buddies, they were business partners in apparent violation of baseball's rules prohibiting secret loans among teams." Rep. John Conyers the ranking Democrat on the The Knicks scored a season-low 12 points in the first quarter and extended their losing skid to a season-worst five games. Rockets 98, Nuggets 86: At Houston, Eddie Griffin tied his career high with 25 points on 10-of-ll shooting and blocked five shots to lead the Rockets over Denver. Kenny Thomas added 15 points, and Steve Francis had 14 points and seven assists for the Rockets. hiring for management jobs, a newspaper reported Saturday.

"I do think that there's a lot of capable minorities," Herzog said Friday at the podium of the annual Iowa Cubs FanFest luncheon, The Des Moines Register reported. "But I do think today, the people that are really getting it stuck to them are guys like this guy over here because he isn't a minority," Herzog was quoted as saying, referring to Iowa manager, Bruce Kimm, who is white. the final 3:56 as the Nets closed the game with a 14-5 run. He also had 10 rebounds and six assists. Tracy McGrady had 17 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists for Orlando.

Pat Garrity added 17 points and seven rebounds. Bucks 102, Knicks 97: At New York, Ray Allen scored a season-high 37 points, including a franchise record-tying eight 3-pointers, and Milwaukee withstood a late rally to beat the Knicks. House Judiciary Committee, said Friday he would ask the committee chairman to reopen a hearing on baseball following the loan revelations. It is doubtful Congress will act on legislation to repeal baseball's antitrust exemption, granted by a 1922 Supreme Court decision. Herzog sees reverse racism: Former manager Whitey Herzog said he believes major league baseball is sometimes guilty of reverse racism when it comes to Minnesota newspaper calls on the commissioner From Call wire services While Minnesota's largest newspaper called on commissioner Bud Selig to resign, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said Saturday he wouldn't hold another hearing on baseball.

The Star Tribune of Minneapolis made its decision following revelations that Selig's Milwaukee Brewers received a loan from a company owned by the family of Twins owner Carl Pohlad. Dodson scores TO In the rain-delayed third round, he shoots a 67. Stephen Leaney leads. From Call wire services Tiger Woods splashed his way to a 4-under 67 on Saturday, leaving him seven strokes behind Stephen Leaney the completion Sunday of the rain-delayed third round of the NEw Zealand Open at Paraparaumu Beach, New Zealand. Leaney shot a 68 for a 10-under 203 total for a one-stroke lead GOLF over countryman Steve Alker (68).

Australia's Craig Parry (69) and New Zealand's Michael Campbell (66) followed at 205. Forced from the course for 3 hours, 15 minutes Saturday because of heavy rain that flooded the greens and fairways at the Paraparaumu Beach links course, Woods entered the final round at 3-under 210. South African Open At Durban, South Africa, Tim Clark shot a 4-under 68 in windy conditions Saturday to take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the South African Open. South African Clark had a 12-under 204 total. U.S.

Open champion Retief Goosen of South Africa shot a 69 to match En- Herzog, who led the St. Louis Cardinals to the 1982 World Series championship, said he hopes Kimm someday can manage a big league team. "And the reason I say that: We are so intent in our country today that we must do some things strictly opposite of what our country was built upon," Herzog was quoted as saying. "When our country was built, the best man always got the job. The most capable person was the for the East, was 7-of-19 for 95 yards.

Indiana quarterback Antwaan Randle El tried to rally the East, driving inside the West 20 as time ran out. San Jose State's Deonce Whi-taker, hindered by injuries most of the regular season, scored two touchdowns, including the game-clincher in the fourth quarter and was selected the offensive MVP. Iowa's Kahlil Hill caught eight passes for 146 yards for the East. Stanford's Randy Fasani replaced Oregon quarterback Joey Harrington, who left the game with a strained MCL in the right knee, midway through the first quarter and drove the West to its first touchdown. Whitaker went 1 BOWLING Charlie Wojeck was more like Bosak as he started with a 191 before finding the line in his last games for a 300-279 to roll 770.

AMF Parkway lefthander George Andrews Jr. was also just two strikes away from double perfection as he closed out a 774 with 279 games. He tossed a 216 in the first game. Becky Herman was less than a rack of pins short of 700 as she paced the women at Parkway with 694. Ric Laubhit, the 800 last week, almost made it back-to-back triples as he notched a 792 at Jordan Lanes.

Closing out the high flyers for the week are Gary Bronsburg and Lisa Diehl at Fritz's Lanes. Bronsburg rolled a 769 triplet on games of 279-265-225, while Diehl, who is now averaging 185, shot 225-255-246. Nothing like giving your average a five point boost. Meanwhile, Bronsburg should have his average now over the 200 mark. Ronnie Scott was kept off the 300-list by two sticks.

Tournament news: The Bethlehem Women's Bowling Association has entry blanks now available for their championship tournament. Team event will be held at CIORK Lanes and minor events will be at National Sokols. Team event cost is $33, and doubles and singles is $7.75 per event. Entries close on Jan. 31.

Contact Marian ROSS LAND APFOTOPRESS Tiger Woods hits a shot out of the rough in the third round of the New Zealand Open. He finished at 3-under 210. gland's Jonathan Lomas (71) at 206. South Africa's Ernie Els was six strokes back after a 68. Sony Open At Honolulu, Jerry Kelly bird-ied on the final two holes for a 5-under 65 for a 14-under 196, allowing him to pull away from a large pack and take a two-stroke lead in the Sony Open.

PGA champion David Toms got into contention with a 7-under 63 that left him two strokes behind. John Cook also was at 198. Jim Furyk had a 64, three strokes out of the lead. Another stroke back was Charles Howell III, Stephen Ames and Chris Riley. to resign guy.

It didn't make any difference what color he was, it didn't make any difference if he was a minority." Pucketts to divorce: Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett and his wife are getting divorced, the couple announced Friday, less than a month after Tonya Puckett told police her husband threatened to kill her during an argument. Kirby Puckett denied to Edina police that he threatened his wife, according to a police report. for East the final yard of a 50-yard drive for the score. Cactus Bowl: At Kings-ville, Texas, Clarence Coleman of Ferris (Mich.) State caught two touchdown passes and returned a punt for another score to lead the East All-Stars to a 42-12 victory over the West in the NCAA Division II Cactus Bowl all-star game Friday night. East Stroudsburg University's All-America punter Adam Hostet-ter averaged 42 yards on five punts and placed three of them inside the 20-yard line to help the East.

Dorrian Glenn of Slippery Rock ran seven and three yards for two TDs and Aamir Dew of IUP took it across from two yards out. Shup, 1548 Oakland Street, 18017. The South Mountain Eliminator is Feb 10 at USA-CIO Lanes. Entry fee is $70 and the field is limited to 28 players. Contact the Drilling Station at 610-865-6809 for information.

Hampton Lanes is holding their next scratch tournament on Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. Cost to enter is $25 per player. Contestants are competing for money and points to gain entry into and end-of-the-year tournament of champions where first place is $1, 000. SENIORS Women: Elaine Kline 557, Doris Lowell 553, Joan Oplinger 550, Marie Kaplan Grubb 535, Marion Haydt 529, Polly McAndrews 517, Cathy Hubbs 51J, Judyleonard 510.

Men: BobSterner 494, Tom McAndrew 473, Dick Rabe 673, Ken Borger Sr. 673, Joe Altierl U1, Richard Bodnar 629, Fred Schimeneck 617, Bob Marling 602. CLUBS Women; Bev Friftlnger 668, Cheryl Wentz 645, Jen Borger 644. Men; Tom Kishbaugh 735, John Aleszcsyk 739, Mums Armellino 731, Rick Eschbach 729, Bob Heimbach 724, Sam Buckwaller 721, Jack Savilski 717, Clayton Schlier 712, Dennis Frltiinger 709, Barry Smith 702, Art Reuoert 700, Bop Wassum Jr. 696, Troy Weaver 479, Paul Papay 665, Robert Brunner 653, Don Welry 620, John Trump 614, Michael Landis 567.

CENTERS Women; Lori Henry 668, Donna Kay Heckman 643, Bonnie Walsh 629, Debbie Marinelli 609, Wendy Skher 402, Tammy Terfinko 600, Diane Batza 595, Jessica Molnar 594, Tammy Hariegie 590, Karen Gallagher 585, Marge Wingert 582, Diane Btose Condelli 576, Marlene Williamson 575, Aimee Wynkoop 570, Rosie Kranti 570, Mona Lauchner 570. Men; Andy Klsh 762, Dennis Kolumber 749, Duane Kressler 745, Tom Stout Jr. 738, Norm Hess 734, Bryan Billing 734, Dennis Femter-maker 732, Kevin Hakterman 727, Don Kuklinski 725, Imad Achkar 718, Andy Ballantyne 717, Dave Landis 709, Ken Borger Jr. 707, Pat Toner 705, Rich Giering 705, Sean Horan 490, Jeff Ruppert 685, Joe Schuster Jr. 685, Chuck Whitehouse 682, Ken O'Donnel 670.

The Army tight end, from Parkland, can't prevent team's loss in Shrine game. From Call wire services Parkland High School product and Army tight end Clint Dodson caught a touchdown pass, but it was not enough to prevent the East from losing Saturday's 77th annual Shrine all-star game to the West, 21-13, at San Francisco's Pac Bell Park. Dodson caught a 3-yard scoring toss from Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler. Illinois quarterback Kurt Kitt-ner, who played the first quarter Roman rolls up a career-high 825; Taylor just misses perfection twice Tchemyshev and Lang win fourth title Ice dancers earn an automatic trip to Olympics in Salt Lake City. The Russian -born man became a citizen last January.

From Call wire services LOS ANGELES Naomi Lang and Peter Tchemyshev realized an Olympic dream 10 years in the making. Lang and Tchemyshev won their fourth ice dance title Saturday in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and with it, an automatic trip to Salt Lake City. "I am very overwhelmed by the fact we are going. It is great to represent this country," said the Russian-bom Tchemyshev, who spent nine years in the United States before finally becoming a citizen last January.

"It's a long way to dream. I am glad I am in the position to go to the Olympics and give something back to the country that has done so much for us." The other Olympic berth goes to Beata Handra and Charles Sinek, the fourth-place finishers. Yes, fourth place: Neither Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, who finished second, nor Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, who were third, are eligible. Belbin is Canadian and doesn't have dual citizenship yet. Petukhov, a Russian, isn't a U.S.

citizen. "We've known we wouldn't be eligible for the Olympics since we teamed up," said Belbin, who hopes to be eligible for the 2006 Games. "We're going to take this place any way we can have it." Tchemyshev knows all too well how Belbin and Petukhov feel. He and Lang came to nationals four years ago knowing they had no chance of going to the Nagano Olympics no matter how well they skated. "I know it probably feels a little bit bitter, but if you keep pursuing your career and goals, I know it will come true one day," he said.

Bom in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tchemyshev's grandfather won four Soviet singles titles (1936-39). But when the Soviet Union dissolved, so, too, did the state support for skating. Rinks closed, coaches left and the skaters soon followed. In 1992, he was given his release by the Russian skating federation, clearing him to compete for the United States.

But it wasn't until a year ago that he became a citizen. "This is a long-awaited dream come true for me," he said. "It's been a long process." Making the Olympic team has added meaning for Lang, too. A member of the Karuk tribe, Lang said she'll be the first Native-American woman to compete in the Winter Olympics. "I'm so proud," she said.

"I can't even describe the feelings I have to be the first Native-American. I hope everyone's proud of me." Lang and Tchemyshev's four straight titles is the longest ran since Judy Blumberg and Michael Seibert won five In a row from 1981-85. That their fourth title came after such a tough season makes it even sweeter. Lang and Tchemyshev missed the Grand Prix series because Tchemyshev had shin splints, so they performed their programs competitively for the first time this week. MARK J.

TERRILL Associated Press Peter Tchemyshev holds his partner Naomi Lang in a spin during their free dance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships Saturday. Their Olympic dream has been realized after 10 years. "We were a little nervous," Lang admitted. "This was our first competition of the season, not counting the Goodwill Games.

For us to skate in front of an audience like this at nationals, I'm happy with how they responded. "As long as we keep getting responses like this, we will be ever so happy. After all, the judges are human, too." Skating to "Parisian Walkways," Lang and Tchemyshev looked like lovers trying to delay a goodbye for as long as they can. It was a showy, entertaining program the audience gave them a standing ovation and they got three six 6.0s for presentation but it wasn't classical ice dancing. It also wasn't as technically difficult as will be necessary to make a move in the standings in Salt Lake.

Their technical marks ranged only from 5.4 to 5.9. "We were out for half a year and we didn't really get to review our program before the judges," Lang said, adding that the couple will compete at Four Continents later this month to get exposure with international judges. Lang and Tchemyshev had entertaining lifts, including one where he carried her in his arms and then twice flipped her up, rolling her. But she did most of the work throughout the program the harder twizzles and hops. Trenary leads HOF class: Three-time U.S.

champion Jill Trenary and five-time winners Elizabeth Punsalan and Jerod Swallow were inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame on Friday. Joining Trenary and the ice dancers in the Hall's 2002 class were Slavka Kohout Button and Margaretta Drake. Meanwhile, Janet Lynn, the 1972 Olympic bronze medalist, was inducted into World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Trenary won American championships in 1987, 1989 and 1990.

She also won the world title in 1990 and is married to former ice dance champion Christopher Dean. Punsalan and Swallow began their dominance of U.S. ice dancing in 1991 with their first national crown. They subsequently won in 1994 and 1996-98, and are one of only three couples to win five national titles. By JIM KRUPKA Special to The Morning Call The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be held winless by temperatures under 40 degrees, but area bowlers seem to be heating up as the mercury is dropping.

Leading the way are Krista Roman and Mike Taylor from Boulevard Lanes with 825 and 741 respectively. For Roman, the figure establishes a career high as the right-hander shot a near triplicate with games of 257-227-257 starting her first game with the front eight strikes. The total moved her 150 over her 200 average. Taylor missed his career high by just 11 sticks and missed boosting his perfect game total by two pitches. He opened with a 290, losing a four pin, and closed out with a 279 again the four pin.

In between he managed a 254 single. Taylor is carrying a 230 average. Perfect games were a staple this week with several players coaxing down a dozen strikes in ten frames. Jeff Bosak found the pocket aftei an opening game 163 as he backed it up with a 204 and 300 to shoot a 667 at Bethlehem Panthers where George Morgan was the leader at 732. Town Country played host to a 300 by Don Romig who then finished with a 698 triple.

Keith Henritzy was not able to reach perfection but led the house with a 781 set on games of 233-279-269..