Sports News

The LVBP 2023-24 Round Robin becomes more exciting with each passing date, with the performances shown by each of the five lineups inning after inning. To make sure you don't miss any of the action in this week's games, check out the results HERE on La República Deportes. LIVE and FREE from your favorite team. So far, the main protagonists of the postseason are the Margarita Braves and La Guaira Tiburones without Ronald Acuña Jr.

What games are TODAY, January 5th, for the 2023-24 LVBP Round Robin Tournament?

Next, check out which round-robin games will be played this Friday, January 5th for the LVBP 2023-24:

These are the meetings that will take place TODAY for the LVBP 2023-24 Round Robin. Photo: LVBP Official/X

What were the results YESTERDAY on the day of the LVBP 2023-24 Round Robin?

If you missed the games from last Thursday, January 4th, check out the results from the third round robin date:

YOU CAN SEE: LVBP Round Robin Schedule 2023-24: Games, dates and times to watch the postseason

These were the results of the round robin on Thursday, December 4th at LVBP. Photo: LVBP Official/X

How are the LVBP 2024-24 Round-Robin Standings going TODAY, December 5th?

Until TODAY, this is the way the Venezuelan teams participate in the tournament Late season:

Currently, Tiburones de La Guaira and Bravos de Margarita take the lead in the LVBP 2023-24 Round Robin. Photo: LVBP Official/X

Johannesburg, South Africa CNN —

Oscar Pistorius, the Paralympic and Olympic amputee sprinter, was released from prison on parole on Friday, more than a decade after he shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in a murder that shocked the world.

A parole board granted Pistorius' application in November on the grounds that he had served half of his 13-year sentence for Steenkamp's murder, making him eligible under South African law.

Singabakho Nxumalo, a spokesman for South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS), told CNN that Pistorius was released from the Atteridgeville correctional center west of Pretoria on Friday morning. He is subject to probation until his sentence expires in 2029.

In a statement on Friday, Steenkamp's mother said her only wish for Pistorius' release was that she be allowed to live out her remaining years “in peace.”

“There can never be justice if your loved one never comes back and Reeva doesn’t come back after serving time,” June Steenkamp said. “We who stay behind are the ones serving a life sentence.”

Pistorius shot Steenkamp four times through a blocked ball He claimed on Feb. 14, 2013, that he did not kill her in a fit of rage during an argument on Valentine's Day, as prosecutors argued, but instead said he mistook her for an intruder.

During the trial, which drew worldwide attention, Pistorius pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and one count of firearms in connection with the killing of Steenkamp.

He was initially Convicted of manslaughter in 2014 and sentenced to five years in prison. But a higher court overturned the conviction and upgraded it to murder a year later, increasing his sentence to six years in prison.

The public prosecutor appealed against the verdict because the sentence was too lenient. Pistorius' prison sentence was increased to 13 years and five months by South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal in 2017.

Pistorius was eligible for parole in March 2023 under a law for inmates who have served half of their sentence and met conditions such as good behavior. The legislation is part of the country's “restorative justice” process, which gives offenders the opportunity to “acknowledge and take responsibility for their actions.”

According to DCS, Pistorius will serve the remainder of his sentence in the country's penal system.

He will have to attend gender-based violence programs and continue anger management therapy sessions, Portal reported, citing a lawyer for the Steenkamp family.

The DCS said in a statement on Wednesday that “general conditions of probation” will apply, including requiring Pistorius to be at home at certain times of the day. He is not permitted to consume alcohol or controlled substances and must participate in programs established by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board.

“Just like other parolees, Pistorius is prohibited from conducting media interviews,” the statement continued.

“The pain is still raw and real”

Steenkamp's mother was vocal in her criticism of his release. In a victim impact statement in November, she said that while she had forgiven Pistorius, she did not believe his version of events.

“At this point, I am not convinced that Oscar has been rehabilitated,” she said.

“Rehabilitation requires that someone honestly confront the full truth of their crime and its consequences. No one can feel remorse unless they are able to fully engage with the truth.

“If someone does not show remorse, they cannot be considered rehabilitated. If they are not rehabilitated, their risk of relapse is high.”

She also expressed concerns about the safety of other women after he was released on parole.

“I don’t know to what extent this behavior still exists or was evident during his incarceration, but I am concerned for the safety of every woman if this had not been taken into account in his rehabilitation.”

In her statement Friday, June Steenkamp described February 14, 2013 as “the day life changed forever.”

“Now, almost 11 years later, the pain is still intense and real, and my dear late husband Barry and I have never been able to come to terms with Reeva's death or the manner in which she died,” she said.

She said the conditions the parole board had imposed on Pistorius included anger management courses and gender-based violence programs.

The athlete – known as the “Blade Runner” because of his carbon fiber prosthetic legs – was once hailed as an inspirational figure for competing against able-bodied athletes at the 2012 Olympics.

He failed to win a medal, but Pistorius's presence on the track was hailed as a triumph over adversity and a victory over critics who claimed his blades gave him an unfair advantage over others.

At his second court appearance in 2016, the judge described him as a “fallen hero.”

TULSA, Okla. – The No. 15 Memphis basketball team escaped the Reynolds Center in Tulsa on Thursday with a 78-75 victory, the Tigers' seventh straight victory.

Tulsa (9-4, 0-1 AAC) tied the score at 75 with 33.4 seconds to play, but Jahvon Quinerly drilled a three-pointer with 4 seconds left to save Memphis (12-2, 1-0).

Nae'Qwan Tomlin and David Jones each scored 17 points for the Tigers. PJ Haggerty had 27 for Tulsa.

Here are five takeaways from Thursday's game.

Nae'Qwan Tomlin shines again

It didn't take long for the midseason transfer to Kansas State to make an impact.

Tomlin, the 6-foot-10 forward, scored 15 points and 15 rebounds in a win over Austin Peay last week, becoming the first Memphis player since at least 2010-11 with a 15-and-15 double-double in 23 Minutes less.

What does he do for an encore? Lead Memphis to a hard-fought road win over the troublesome Golden Hurricane.

Tomlin was a force around the basket – on both ends of the floor. In one sequence, he blocked a shot on defense, then took the throw almost the length of the court and finished with a confident wide-open one-handed dunk.

He also collected seven rebounds.

David Jones – sick?

Memphis wasn't even sure if its leading scorer would play Thursday.

Not after David Jones was kept away from the training ground for most of this week due to a hard-to-clear virus.

But if he still felt the effects of his illness, he endured it well. Despite seven turnovers, Jones scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

PJ Haggerty lives up to his billing

Haggerty came out on top against Memphis in the first half.

The 6-3 redshirt freshman guard was a dizzying one-man fireball. He dropped 17 points before halftime on 6 of 11 shooting from the field and 4 of 5 at the free-throw line, along with three rebounds and a steal.

The Tigers pride themselves on shutting down their opponent's best player. But the Crosby, Texas native finished with 27 points.

Caleb Mills' ugly injury

The senior guard had a clear path to the basket, so he broke the baseline to do it. As he approached the goal, he planted his left foot but was thrown into the air.

Mills immediately grabbed his left knee, clearly in severe pain. Head athletic trainer Darrell Turner (also the athletic department's senior associate athletic director for sports medicine) and strength coach Darby Rich rushed over to check on Mills. Hardaway followed them.

After a few minutes, most of which Mills spent writhing in pain, he tried putting weight on his left leg. But he couldn't, so Hardaway, Turner and Rich carried him off the floor.

Shortly after the team went to the locker room at halftime, Mills left the field area, partially under his own power. With a brace on his left knee and his arms around two staff members, he was able to put some weight on his left leg as he slowly made his way to the locker room.

Mills is averaging 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game this season.

How Tulsa got back in the game

No matter how hard they tried, the Golden Hurricane couldn't do much in the first half (3:13).

LOG IN: Memphis Tigers Basketball Insider Text Group with Jason Munz

They turned things on their head in the second period, using 3-pointers to cut the Tigers' 14-point lead at halftime. After his sixth 3-pointer of the second half, Tulsa was only down 56-53 with 12:18 left in the game.

Most of the damage was done by Carlous Williams, who was just 3 of 15 from the 3-point line this season entering Thursday's game. That's how many goals he scored in four minutes at the start of the second half.

Williams finished the game with 16 points and made four 3-point shots.

Reach sportswriter Jason Munz at [email protected] or on Twitter @munzly.

KAPALUA, Hawaii – Collin Morikawa has already won two majors and played in the opening session of the Ryder Cup twice. His first tee shot Thursday at Kapalua felt as special as any other moment.

Long before Sahith Theegala birdied his 10th for a 9-under 64 to lead The Sentry, the PGA Tour began a new year with a ceremony on the first tee. There was a Hawaiian blessing and chants focused on renewal and regrowth, with an emphasis on the deadly Lahaina fires.

Morikawa has a deep connection to Maui and hits the first tee shot.

Where it went—straight and long enough to roll through the fairway into the rough—was of little importance to him.

“As special as it’s ever going to be,” Morikawa said of the first of his 65 shots Thursday. “I can talk about the last rounds, the last shots, the first tee, the last group and the majors, but that was the greatest honor I could have had. Not because it was the first tournament of the year, but because it was out here on Maui, everything this week means to me.

“It just means so much more.”

He played like it meant more, with six birdies and an eagle when he carved a 3-wood to the elevated green for eagle on the par-5 ninth.

On a beautiful day with surprisingly little wind and typically gorgeous views, Morikawa had plenty of company. His 65 was the best of the day until Theegala warmed up and started the back nine with six straight birdies. The par-5 18th saw a back-and-forth for a final birdie.

That gave him a lead over Morikawa, FedExCup champion Viktor Hovland, Sungjae Im, Camilo Villegas and Jason Day.

Theegala made his Kapalua debut last year by reaching the Tour Championship as a rookie. Now the field at The Sentry – for years limited to last year's PGA Tour winners – has been expanded to include winners and the top 50 in the FedExCup. Thanks to his win in Napa, California, in September, Theegala would definitely be there.

The 59-player field is Kapalua's largest ever, and they all had their way on a forgiving Plantation course with no great defense and just a tropical breeze.

Theegala still had work to do – an 18-foot putt on No. 10, a tee shot to 2 feet on the par-3 11th and then his favorite, a 10-foot birdie on a 12th hole with so much slope and grain that he wasn't sure how the putt would break.

“I just aimed it right in the middle and tried to hit it hard,” he said. “That calmed me down a little more because I knew that 13, 14, 15 were also very easy to achieve.”

And he got it, capping his streak with a two-putt birdie from 20 feet on the par-5 15th.

It felt like that for everyone.

Can Scheffler achieve sustainable dominance?

The Golf Central team discusses Scottie Scheffler's strong start at The Sentry, including the beauty of his shots throughout the day and his potential for success beyond the tournament.

Eighteen players had a score of 67 or lower, and that was to be expected. The Plantation course's greatest defense is the wind, and it was in the wind for most of the day. Even bad starts worked out well. Justin Rose went out at 40 and had six birdies on the back to salvage a 71.

Jordan Spieth hit the first foul ball of the year and pushed his tee shot right into the tall native grass on the third hole, resulting in double bogey. He responded with nine birdies and was part of a group that included Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler, the two-time PGA Tour Player of the Year and No. 1 player in the world, with a 7-under 66.

“I didn’t have to fight too hard for pars,” Scheffler said.

The wind came later in the afternoon, but there were so many players registered.

“You’re playing golf on the edge of a volcano. It’s pretty different than most of the golf we play,” Scheffler said. “It’s definitely a fun way to start the year, a fun golf course to play. Even if the results are low, I still feel like you are very challenged because you have to keep the accelerator pressed all the time.”

That's exactly what Morikawa tried to do in the opening group, making his strongest move along the back nine with two par 5s and two short par 4s.

But it was the beginning that meant so much.

His grandparents were born in Lahaina and long ago owned Morikawa Restaurant, which closed about two decades before he was born. But the 26-year-old Californian came to Lahaina as a boy during a family vacation.

He warmed up during the ceremony but still heard the drums and chants. It was cool on a mild day on the west end of Maui.

“It got a little emotional,” he said. “I think just because I know what everyone has been through, you hear it from these families and meet everyone here on the island who knows someone or has been affected first hand. Maui is small. Hawaii is very, very small. People know everyone. I just got emotional.

“It was an honor to be able to hit the first tee and yes, it’s a great way to start the new year.”

Forward Jesse Puljujarvi must continue to prove his worth in the eyes of the Pittsburgh Penguins by signing a professional tryout contract in the American League.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Thursday morning that the 25-year-old Finn was expected to report to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and the news was confirmed by early afternoon. If he does well at the farm club, he could get a contract in the National Hockey League.

• Also read: Nothing can stand in the way of Matthews scoring his 30th goal

• Also read: Jason Zucker is not spared from the NHL

Puljujarvi has been training with the major club since December 10th and took part in several team training sessions, but was not allowed to play in any games. The Penguins remain cautious with the former fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft.

The right winger has been disappointing since the beginning of his career in North America. After failing to secure a spot with the Edmonton Oilers at the end of the 2018-19 season, he went into exile in Finland before attempting a return to the Alberta team. They ended up trading him to the Carolina Hurricanes last February.

In the 2022-23 season, Puljujarvi has 16 points in 75 games. The Canes did not make him a qualifying offer in the offseason.

Themba Hadebe/AP/File

Oscar Pistorius leaves the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, on June 14, 2016, during his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Johannesburg CNN —

Oscar Pistorius, the Paralympic and Olympic amputee sprinter, was released from prison on parole on Friday, more than a decade after he shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in a murder that shocked the world.

A parole board granted Pistorius' request in November on the grounds that he had served half of his 13-year sentence for the shooting of Steenkamp, ​​making him eligible under South African law.

Singabakho Nxumalo, a spokesman for South Africa's Department of Correctional Services (DCS), told CNN that Pistorius was released from the Atteridgeville correctional center west of Pretoria on Friday morning. He is subject to probation until his sentence expires in 2029.

In a statement on Friday, Steenkamp's mother said her only wish for Pistorius' release was that she be allowed to live out her remaining years “in peace.”

“There can never be justice if your loved one never comes back and Reeva doesn’t come back after serving time,” June Steenkamp said. “We who stay behind are the ones serving a life sentence.”

Themba Hadebe/AP

Prison officers search a car at the main entrance to Atteridgeville Prison in Pretoria, South Africa on January 5, 2024.

Pistorius shot Steenkamp four times through a blocked ball He claimed on Feb. 14, 2013, that he did not kill her in a fit of rage during an argument on Valentine's Day, as prosecutors argued, but instead said he mistook her for an intruder.

During the trial, which drew worldwide attention, Pistorius pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and one count of firearms in connection with the killing of Steenkamp.

He was initially Convicted of manslaughter in 2014 and sentenced to five years in prison. But a higher court overturned the conviction and upgraded it to murder a year later, increasing his sentence to six years in prison.

Waldo Swiegers/AFP/Getty Images

Oscar Pistorius poses next to his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in Johannesburg on January 26, 2013.

The public prosecutor appealed against the verdict because the sentence was too lenient. Pistorius' prison sentence was increased to 13 years and five months by South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal in 2017.

Pistorius was eligible for parole in March 2023 under a law for inmates who have served half of their sentence and met conditions such as good behavior. The legislation is part of the country's “restorative justice” process, which gives offenders the opportunity to “acknowledge and take responsibility for their actions.”

According to DCS, Pistorius will serve the remainder of his sentence in the country's penal system.

He will have to attend gender-based violence programs and continue anger management therapy sessions, Portal reported, citing a lawyer for the Steenkamp family.

The DCS said in a statement on Wednesday that “general conditions of probation” will apply, including requiring Pistorius to be at home at certain times of the day. He is not permitted to consume alcohol or controlled substances and must participate in programs established by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board.

“Just like other parolees, Pistorius is prohibited from conducting media interviews,” the statement continued.

Siphiwe Sibeko/Portal/File

FOscar Pistorius enters the dock before trial at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on June 4, 2013.

“The pain is still raw and real”

Steenkamp's mother was vocal in her criticism of his release. In a victim impact statement in November, she said that while she had forgiven Pistorius, she did not believe his version of events.

“At this point, I am not convinced that Oscar has been rehabilitated,” she said.

“Rehabilitation requires that someone honestly confront the full truth of their crime and its consequences. No one can feel remorse unless they are able to fully engage with the truth.

“If someone does not show remorse, they cannot be considered rehabilitated. If they are not rehabilitated, their risk of relapse is high.”

She also expressed concerns about the safety of other women after he was released on parole.

“I don’t know to what extent this behavior still exists or was evident during his incarceration, but I am concerned for the safety of every woman if this had not been taken into account in his rehabilitation.”

In her statement Friday, June Steenkamp described February 14, 2013 as “the day life changed forever.”

“Now, almost 11 years later, the pain is still intense and real, and my dear late husband Barry and I have never been able to come to terms with Reeva's death or the manner in which she died,” she said.

She said the conditions the parole board had imposed on Pistorius included anger management courses and gender-based violence programs.

The athlete – known as the “Blade Runner” because of his carbon fiber prosthetic legs – was once hailed as an inspirational figure for competing against able-bodied athletes at the 2012 Olympics.

He failed to win a medal, but Pistorius's presence on the track was hailed as a triumph over adversity and a victory over critics who claimed his blades gave him an unfair advantage over others.

At his second court appearance in 2016, the judge described him as a “fallen hero.”

After struggling with mental health issues over the last year and a half, Oliver Kylington can finally return to the Calgary Flames fold.

The defender missed the entire 2022-2023 season for personal reasons, his last game coming in the playoffs of the previous season at the end of May 2022.

Kylington was deemed ineligible to participate in the Flames' training camp in September after failing the team's medical tests. The organization did not give a deadline for the 26-year-old's possible return.

On Thursday, he was sent to the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League to get back in shape. He also skated with the Flames on December 1st.

“I feel like my mental health is in good shape and I'm ready to take another step forward. Returning to Calgary was the right decision. I have felt great support from the Flames ownership, staff and my teammates and am grateful for the support and resources made available to me,” Kylington said in a press release.

“I can’t wait to get back on the ice in a team environment and get back into my routine. I really missed it,” he added.

“As an organization, we care most about Oliver as a person,” continued general manager Craig Conroy. We are delighted that he has made great progress with his mental wellbeing and will continue to support Oliver in this process.”

Kylington was used less early in his career and exploded in 2021/22 with personal highs of 73 games, nine goals and 31 points. He also maintained an excellent differential of +34.

After organizing what many consider to be the best Pan American Games in history in 2019, Lima is now ready to host another edition.

That possibility isn't far-fetched after what happened last Wednesday. The President of Panama SportsNeven Ilic, informed Colombian Olympic Committee helmsman Ciro Solano Hurtado of the termination of the host city contract that designated Barranquilla to host the 2027 Pan American Games.

In his argument, Ilic insists on the multiple failures of the Barranquilla authorities who received Santiago 2023's statement during last year's closing ceremony Pan American Games.

YOU CAN SEE: Colombia could lose more than $2 million if it doesn't host the 2027 Pan American Games

“The reasons for canceling the Games and terminating the host city contract are fully set out in our letter dated August 30, 2023, supplemented by our letter dated October 26, 2023. As clearly stated in the letter dated October 26, 2023, failure to comply with the requirements stated in this letter will automatically terminate the extension of time to remedy the violations of the host city contract listed in our letter dated August 30, 2023 and will allow Panam Sports to terminate the contract with the host city “To terminate with immediate effect and withdraw the games from the city of Barranquilla,” he concludes.

The Republic could have known that Colombia has failed to meet a payment obligation dated December 31, set at a meeting in Santiago.

Lima as an alternative

In light of the events, Panam Sports sent a letter to the various Olympic committees announcing that they would apply to host the event. This letter reached the COP on January 3rd. What steps should Lima follow to become the venue? Make your candidacy official no later than 48 hours after the announcement of the application. To apply you need the support of the President of the Republic and the Mayor of Lima.

Lima is considered one of the best games in the history of all Pan American Games, the high level of infrastructure ready and available to host major events and the great opportunity to transform the city in the street area make Lima an important option for Panama Sports.

Let's remember that after Lima 2019, the city has an infrastructure managed by Legado, so the investment for the next Games would be only a third of the previous ones. That means this time it wouldn't be starting from scratch. Without a doubt, the Pan American Games would serve not only to encourage our athletes, but also the tourism.

YOU CAN SEE: Pan American Games: Who would be to blame for Barranquilla losing the venue for the 2027 Games?

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Colombia has not complied with the guidelines and a new venue will be chosen for the games in 2027.