“Chris (Duhon) provides depth, leadership and stability to our backcourt,” said Magic General Manager Otis Smith.  “He takes care of the basketball, defends well and can hit the open shot.  We’re very happy to add Chris to our team.”

Duhon (6’1, 190) played in 67 games - making 59 starts - last season with the New York Knicks. He averaged 7.4 points, 5.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game. Duhon led the Knicks in assists and was tied for fifth in the NBA in assists-to-turnover ratio at 378-110 while leading the team in scoring twice and in assists in 38 different games. He scored in double figures 23 times, including a season-high 25 points on Dec. 4 on the road against Atlanta, and also recorded 10-plus assists four times.

Duhon was originally selected in the second round (No. 38 overall) by the Chicago Bulls in the 2004 NBA Draft. He has appeared in 446 career NBA regular season games, averaging 7.7 points, 5.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per game while shooting .362 (553-1,526) from three-point range and .797 (554-695) from the free throw line.

- Pro Summer League -

Led by Patrick Ewing on the bench, the Orlando Magic finished with just a 1-4 mark last week at the 2010 AirTran Airways Pro Summer League. Oklahoma City led the way with a 4-1 record while Charlotte, Indiana, Utah and New Jersey each ended the week with 3-2 marks.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue Holiday paced all scorers with 19.3 points per game and was named to the All-Summer League First Team at the conclusion of the five-day event. The New Jersey Nets had two recipients on the First Team in guard/forward Terrence Williams (18.8 ppg, 5.0 apg) and forward Damion James (18.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg), while Boston forward Luke Harangody (16.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and Oklahoma City center BJ Mullens (16.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg) were also honored.

The All-Summer League Second Team consisted of Indiana Pacers center Magnum Rolle, Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson, Philadelphia 76ers guard Jodie Meeks, Oklahoma City guard James Harden and Bobcats forward Derrick Brown.

Honorable Mention honors went to Indiana’s Lance Stephenson, Josh McRoberts and Paul George, Utah’s Kosta Koufos and Gordon Hayward, Boston’s Jaycee Carroll, Oklahoma City’s Eric Maynor and Kyle Weaver and Orlando’s Joe Crawford, Paul Davis and Patrick Ewing, Jr.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

Due to space limitations, the event is not open to the public. But fans can follow along from home, where they can get the action, box scores, game recaps and cumulative statistics at the official Orlando Magic website. Games will begin at 1 p.m. from Monday-Thursday and at 8 a.m. on Friday.

– Orlando Magic’s Pro Summer League Roster –

#5 – Jeff Adrien (PF) – 6-7, 243 – Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain)

#10 – Joe Crawford (G) – 6-5, 210 – Los Angeles D-Fenders (NBADL)

#40 – Paul Davis (C) – 6-11, 270 – Maine Red Claws (NBADL)

#24 – Patrick Ewing Jr. (F) – 6-8, 240 – Reno Big Horns (NBADL)

#23 – Trey Gilder (F) – 6-9, 185 – Albuquerque Thunderbirds (NBADL)

#35 – Yaroslav Korolev (F) – 6-9, 225 – Reno Bighorns (NBADL)

#34 – Ben McCauley (F/C) – 6-9, 237 – Strasbourg IG (France)

#43 – Daniel Orton (C) – 6-10, 255 – Kentucky

#1 – Jerome Randle (G) – 5-10, 172 – California

#25 – Stanley Robinson (F) – 6-9, 210 – Connecticut

#4 – Sean Singletary (G) – 6-0, 185 – Caja Laboral Vitoria (Spain)

#45 – Vladimir Stimac (C) – 6-10, 255 – KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Serbia)

#3 – Curtis Stinson (G) – 6-3, 215 – Iowa Energy (NBADL)

#11 – Donell Taylor (G) – 6-5, 215 – Erie Bayhawks (NBADL)

– 2010 AirTran Airways Pro Summer League Schedule –

Monday, July 5, 2010

Game 1            1 p.m.            Charlotte @ Utah

Game 2            3 p.m.            Indiana @ Orlando

Game 3            5 p.m.            Boston @ OKC

Game 4            7 p.m.            NJ @ Philadelphia

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Game 1            1 p.m.            Utah @ Orlando

Game 2            3 p.m.            Charlotte @ OKC

Game 3            5 p.m.            Philadelphia @ Boston

Game 4            7 p.m.            Indiana @ NJ

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Game 1            1 p.m.            Charlotte @ Boston

Game 2            3 p.m.            OKC @ Philadelphia

Game 3            5 p.m.            NJ @ Orlando

Game 4            7 p.m.            Indiana @ Utah

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Game 1            1 p.m.            OKC @ Orlando

Game 2            3 p.m.            Indiana @ Boston

Game 3            5 p.m.            Utah @ NJ

Game 4            7 p.m.            Philadelphia @ Charlotte

Friday, July 9, 2010

Game 1            8 a.m.            OKC @ Indiana

Game 2            10 a.m.          Philadelphia @ Utah

Game 3            12 p.m.          NJ @ Boston

Game 4            2 p.m.            Charlotte @ Orlando

(10-minute intermission between games)

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

During a short recruiting cycle in his first season, following three as the lead man at Marshall, six signees were added to an already youthful roster which finished 15-17 overall and 6-10 in Conference USA this past year.

Knowing that the essential pieces from that squad were returning for the 2010-11 season, the plan going in for Jones and his assistants was quite simple.

Donnie Jones

“Not many times do you walk into a program where everybody’s back,” said Jones. “That’s an unusual situation. Being able to add some depth is really what our focus was.”

And that’s what they did by signing a young point guard for the future, some true size in the middle, and shooters to help shore up the wing.

Joining a core made up of senior forward A.J. Tyler, guards A.J. Rompza (junior) and Marcus Jordan (sophomore), and forward Keith Clanton (sophomore) are three Division I transfers, a junior college transfer and two prep players.

Just two of those transfers must sit out this season as per NCAA rules.

“Sometimes when you need instant help and you have a short period of time, it’s better to get veterans,” said Jones. “It gives you a little time to focus on the underclassmen, and we bring in instant help that can come in and compete (right) now.”

Winning and competing is precisely what fans will expect later this year as they tip-toe into a season for the first time in 17 years without beloved coach Kirk Speraw, who was not retained after one of several subpar campaigns.

How long it takes for fans to warm up to the new regime is anybody’s guess.

Jones doesn’t know if there’s any certain remedy for winning fans over, other than to “come in and try to build on the great things that Kirk’s done here.”

“I’ve got a lot of respect for him and what he’s done for this program, it’s been incredible,” he said. “We’ll just try to build on what he’s done and earn our respect with how we play and what we do on a day-to-day basis.

“Hopefully people will come out and support this program based on UCF and not necessarily who the coach is.”

More wins than losses are likely to help heal old wounds. And if that’s the case, based on the track record of this guy it shouldn’t take long to turn the Knights into conference contenders.

Jones led the Thundering Herd to an 11-5 C-USA mark and 24-10 overall record last season with one of the top offenses in the country, leading the conference in scoring at 79.9 points per game. Before arriving in West Virginia, Jones spent 11 years as an assistant at Florida under head coach Billy Donovan, helping the program win back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007.

Joining Jones at UCF are assistant coaches Shawn Finney, Brett Nelson, Darren Tillis, and director of basketball operations Tim Thomas. All four worked with Jones at Marshall, where Hassan Whiteside led the nation in blocks with 182, good for the fourth-most in NCAA single-season history.

––– DONNIE JONES ON HIS NEW RECRUITS AT UCF –––

– Jarvis Davis (FR; 6-1, 175) – out of Hargrove Military Academy in Virginia; River View High School in Columbia, S.C.

Jones calls Davis a tough, competitive kid and “a pass-first point guard who makes others better around him.”

“He’ a good defender and I think his ability to score will get better with time,” said Jones.

Davis, who was the first signing at UCF for Jones, spent last year at Hargrove Military and has been on campus since May.

– Isaiah Sykes (FR; 6-5, 200) – out of Denby High School in Detroit, Mich.

Sykes is a tough and athletic left-handed shooter who Jones says is versatile enough to play at a number of different positions, “which I like in our system,” Jones said.

The coach says Sykes is skilled enough to contribute immediately for the Knights. He scored 17 points in the Michigan High School All-Star Game and was rated No. 39 at small forward by Scout.

– Dwight McCombs (JR; 6-8, 240) – out of Moraine Valley Community College; Miami (Ohio); Whitney Young High School in Chicago Ill.

Jones said McCombs, the second of his recruits, has been dropping weight and getting into better shape ever since arriving on campus in May. Coaches are impressed with the transfer’s rebounding, scoring, and the way he runs the floor.

“He fits with what we want to do,” said Jones.

McCombs averaged 22.5 points (No. 12 in nation), 13.3 rebounds (No. 3) and led the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II in blocks at five per game last season. He was also a high school teammate of A.J. Rompza.

– Tom Herzog (SR; 7-0, 250) – out of Michigan State; Powers High School in Flint, Mich.

A bit player at Michigan State, Herzog has been given one last chance to live up to the billing. After being hailed as a top prep-player out of high school (rated the No. 7 center in the nation by Rivals) he contributed lightly for two NCAA Final Four teams under Tom Izzo.

With his arrival to Orlando this past weekend, the Knights have a true center entering the year. Herzog is not required to sit out this season after transferring since he has already earned his bachelor’s degree at MSU and redshirted during the 2006-07 season.

“I think the timing is right (and) we needed a center,” said Jones. “He has the ability to come in and help us and impact us immediately. He’s got an edge about himself to get out and play and I liked that when I was recruiting him.”

As a freshman in 2003-04, he blocked a Michigan high school single-season state record 182 shots and later finished second in the Michigan Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award voting as a senior.

– Josh Crittle (JR; 6-8, 250) – out of Oregon; Hales Franciscan High School in Bellwood, Ill.

Jones says the addition of Crittle gives the Knights some size that’s hard to come by.

Crittle will have a chance to get acclimated to a new system as a redshirt over the next year after coming in as a reserve out of Oregon.

“He’s a guy who can come in and physically compete each and every day,” said Jones. “He’s got a whole year to get himself ready and get better.”

As a senior in high school he was rated the No. 29 center in the nation by ESPN and The No. 30 post player in the country by Scout.

– Jeff Jordan (SR; 6-1, 185) – out of Illinois; Loyola Academy in Chicago, Ill.

The eldest son of NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan joins brother Marcus at UCF after transferring in from Illinois, where he spent the past three seasons as a reserve. He becomes the second player from the 2010-11 recruiting class to sit out following a transfer.

“Anytime you’ve got family members or guys who played at the same high school together, which we have on this team, that brings back a little pride,” said Jones.

“He understands the mentality of work and team and he played for a great coach and played at a great program at Illinois. To bring that kind of leadership and experience to the program right now gives us three really good points guards here from a depth standpoint.”

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

– Gold for Williams –

Serving as an assistant coach in her first appearance working with USA Basketball, Williams helped lead the USA Women’s U-18 National Team to a 5-0 record at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

On Sunday, the U.S. team scored a huge 81-38 win over Brazil in the gold-medal game of the FIBA America U-18 Championship. Six players scored at least nine points in the game en route to the title.

Williams, the 2009 Conference USA Coach of the Year, coached alongside Florida State’s Sue Semrau and head coach Jennifer Rizzoti out of Hartford. Williams enters her fourth season with the Knights later this year when UCF opens the 2010-11 season at the Women’s National Invitational Tournament for the first time in program history.

– Sixth for James –

After recently wrapping up her track and field career as a UCF Knight this past season, James posted a time of 13.25 seconds on Saturday in the 100-meter hurdles finals of the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa.

That effort was good for sixth place behind professionals Lolo Jones (12.69), Kellie Wells (12.84), Damu Cherry (12.86) Ginnie Powell (12.90) and Tiffany Ofili (13.04) despite running into a stiff wind of 2.1 meters per second. James, who holds the UCF school record in the event, qualified sixth for the finals in 13.24 seconds.

Former college teammate Jackie Coward competed against James in the same semifinal heat and missed qualifying for the finals with a time of 13.50. Two weeks ago Coward finished her sophomore season as an outdoor All-American at the NCAA Track & Field Championships.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

Orton

The Magic took University of Kentucky center Daniel Orton in the first round with the 29th overall pick and University of Connecticut forward Stanley Robinson in the second round at No. 59 overall.

Robinson

Although Orton (6’10”, 255 lbs) played in all 38 games during his freshman season at Kentucky, after missing most of his senior season in high school with a knee injury, he played sparingly for the Wildcats. Orton averaged 3.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.39 blocks in 13.4 minutes per game for a team that reached the NCAA Elite Eight. He blocked two or more shots in a game 16 times last season and blocked four shots in a game four times.

Orton scored in double-figures twice as a freshman – 14 points against Rider on Nov. 21 and 10 points against Hartford on Dec. 29 – and grabbed a season-high nine rebounds Jan. 12 on the road against Florida.

Robinson (6’9”, 210 lbs) finished his four-year career at UConn ranked No. 30 on the school’s career scoring list with 1,231 points. He appeared in 126 career games – making 103 starts – while averaging 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.03 blocks per game. As a senior he averaged 14.5 points, a team-high 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.21 blocks per game.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

Welcome to this edition of Orlando Sports Central Highlights…

– Orlando Magic Get New Look –

Fans will either grow to love it or hate it. Either way, the Orlando Magic will sport at bit of a new look this fall when they open the new Amway Center.

From the Magic: The new logo incorporates the Magic’s current jersey wordmark, giving a more integrated look.  It also continues the team’s colors with the Magic blue, Magic black and Magic silver.  The updated look includes the team’s current secondary logo with the iconic star ball for a smooth transition from old to new, building on the heritage and history of the Magic from its birth in 1989.

“This new logo signifies the beginning of a new era of excellence for the Orlando Magic and our fans,” said Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins. “We are excited about where our team is and the direction we are headed as we build on the legend already created and look forward to what the future holds.”

– UCF’s Culpepper Back In Action –

If all goes well between now and then, former UCF quarterback Daunte Culpepper will be back in the Florida Citrus Bowl on Thursday, Oct. 21 with his new football team, the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. The Mountain Lions will be in Orlando as visitors of the Florida Tuskers.

The 1998 All-American and Sammy Baugh Trophy recipient has reunited with two of his former coaches. Culpepper’s first NFL head coach, Dennis Green, is entering his second season, as is offensive coordinator Mike Kruczek, who coached him as a Golden Knight.

Green selected Culpepper with the 11th pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. After three trips to the Pro Bowl while with the Minnesota Vikings, he later wound up floating between the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions.

Following 95 career NFL starts with 23,208 passing yards, 146 touchdowns and 101 interceptions, his desire to continue playing the game of football prompted the reunion.

“When the opportunity came for me to sign with the UFL and play for coach Green in Sacramento I could not resist,” said Culpepper.

He’s also looking forward to teaming back up with Kruczek, whose offense helped Culpepper become just the third player in NCAA history to pass for more than 10,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 in a career. As a Knight, Culpepper passed for 11,412 career yards with 84 touchdowns.

After being named the starter in Minnesota in 2000, he led the Vikings to a 7-0 mark during a season that ended in an NFC Championship Game loss to the New York Giants, who were coached by Las Vegas Locos Head Coach Jim Fassel.

– UCF’s Coward An Outdoor All-American –

Of the three UCF track and field athletes competing at nationals this past weekend, it was sophomore Jackie Coward who came away with the program’s best-ever showing.

Coward became the first Knight to earn NCAA Outdoor All-American honors when she qualified fourth for the 100-meter hurdles at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. After clocking in at 13.04 seconds to qualify, she ran that same time in the finals for fifth place overall. Virginia Tech’s Queen Quedith Harrison won the title at 12.67.

By advancing to the championship stage, Coward became a two-time All-American. She previously advanced to the finals of the 60-meter hurdles at the 2009 NCAA Indoor Championships.

Sophomore Sheila Paul (100-meter dash) and freshman Sonnisha Williams (long jump) also competed on the campus of the University of Oregon but did not advance to championship contention.

– Winter Park FHSAA All-Sports Champs –

Continuing its tradition of winning, the boys and girls athletic programs at Winter Park High School swept the Class 6A Florida High School Athletic Association Floyd E. Lay Sunshine Cup All-Sports Awards for the 2009-10 school year.

The Wildcats, with 1,173 total points, turned in an impressive margin of victory over Dr. Phillips (836.5) in the overall standings.

More details on standings for all classifications are available at the FHSAA site.

– Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camps –

The Orlando Magic is hosting youth basketball camps throughout Central Florida this summer designed for boys and girls of all skill levels ages 7-16. While many camp dates are already sold out, limited space is still available for a number of others.

Each camp session offers instruction provided by the National Basketball Academy and other top area coaches offering personalized attention, drills, skill development, live games and an individual player evaluation.

All participants receive an official camp T-shirt and headband, a full-size Magic basketball, a ticket to a 2010-11 Orlando Magic home game in the new Amway Center, daily giveaways, prizes, awards and other trivia, contests and games. Guest appearances by Magic players are subject to availability.

–– Remaining Dates/Locations –

– June 21-25 at Lake Mary Preparatory School – 650 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary 32746

– June 21-25 at 24 Hour Fitness – 15 West Crystal Lake Dr., Orlando 32806

– June 28-July 2 at Orlando Sports Center (Vince Carter’s Orlando Magic Basketball Camp) – 6700 Kingspointe Parkway, Orlando 32819

– July 5-9 at The First Academy – 2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando 32805

– July 5-9 at Celebration School K-8 – 1809 Celebration Blvd., Celebration 34747

– July 5-9 at Warner University (Jason Williams’ 2010 Overnight Basketball Camp) – 13895 Highway 27, Lake Wales 33859

– July 12-16 at Willow Creek Church – 4725 East Lake Drive, Winter Springs 32708

– July 12-16 at Lake Mary Preparatory School – 650 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary 32746

– July 19-23 at Pro-Health and Fitness Center – 8705 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne 32940

– August 2-6 at Orlando Christian Prep – 500 South Semoran Blvd., Orlando 32807

– August 2-6 at Lyman High School – 865 S. Ronald Regan Blvd., Longwood 32750

– August 9-13 at Magic Practice Court – RDV Sportsplex at 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd, Orlando 32810

– August 9-13 at Bolles Middle School – 7400 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 32217

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

Earlier today the Magic organization took to the streets of Orlando to thank fans for another season of support. Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer addressed fans in front of City Hall. The entire Magic front office staff, community ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, STUFF the Magic Mascot and the Orlando Magic Dancers were all part of the thanksgiving efforts. Fans were treated to drinks, donuts and a number of other giveaways.

The Orlando Magic finished the 2009-10 season with it’s second straight appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals before losing in six games.

Point guard Jameer Nelson led the team in scoring this postseason with 19 points per game on 48-percent shooting from the field. He also led the team in assists (4.8 per game) while averaging 3.6 rebounds and one steal per contest.

Center Dwight Howard averaged 18.1 points (61-percent shooting), 11.1 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots per game.

– Stay Connected –

Official Site

Magic Basketball

Howard The Dunk

Orlando Magic Daily

Orlando Pinstriped Post

About the Magic… Since it’s inception in 1989 the Magic has won five division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010), had six 50-plus win seasons, and won the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

Spectators at Amway Arena were treated to a double-dose of heartache as the NBA game was shown on the jumbotron while the AFL action on the field was taking place.

The Magic were eliminated from the playoffs with a 96-84 loss in Game 6 on the road against the Boston Celtics. The Predators dropped to last place in the division with a 62-50 loss to the Tampa Bay Storm in the season’s first installment of the War on I-4.

– Orlando Magic –

The Magic trailed 30-19 after the first quarter of play Friday night and never found footing the rest of the way. After trailing by 13 points at the break, the Magic went on to get outscored 27-19 in the third quarter, setting the stage for the end of the season with a 4-2 loss in the best-of-seven series.

Dwight Howard shot 11-for-17 from the field to score 28 points in the setback. He also finished with 12 rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. Vince Carter scored 17 points (6-for-15) and had seven rebounds and three assists.

On the flipside, Jameer Nelson scored 11 points on 5-for-14 shooting and finished with a team-high five turnovers, four assists and one rebound. Matt Barnes made only one free throw on the night and Rashard Lewis shot just 3-for-11 from the floor for seven points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Orlando shot 27-percent from long-range (6-for-22) as only Mickael Pietrus made more than one 3-point basket. The Magic also struggled at the line, making just 59-percent of those shots. They were outrebounded 45-35.

– Orlando Predators –

The Predators trailed 35-17 at halftime and 55-29 early in the fourth quarter Friday night before clawing their way back, but eventually falling short in the end.

The rally started when quarterback Nick Hill connected with Kissimmee native Bobby Sippio in the end zone for a 19-yard score. Following an onside kick, Hill and Sippio hooked up again, this time for a 28-yard score with 4:45 left to play. Yet another onside kick followed, as did another Sippio touchdown to help chip into the Tampa lead, this time on a short run on a play set up by a long reception to T.T. Toliver.

With just 2:16 remaining, the Preds trailed 55-50 and could get no closer once Tampa drove the length of the field and punched the ball in one more time for a touchdown. The Storm then intercepted Hill in the end zone with under a minute to play to close things out. (Watch Highlights)

The Predators (3-4) are on the road Saturday, June 5 at 8 p.m. against the Tulsa Talons before returning home on Saturday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. against the Spokane Shock. The Preds then host the Jacksonville Sharks in a division game on Friday, June 18 at 8 p.m.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

Kendrick Perkins was tossed from the game after picking up two technical fouls. Glen Davis and Marquis Daniels each were ushered off the court with concussions. And lastly, Rasheed Wallace fouled out with less than five minutes to go.

The Celtics hold a 3-2 series lead, which picks back up Friday night in Boston at 8:30 p.m.

In Orlando, there’s a renewed feeling that the momentum has shifted back in favor of the No. 2 team in the Eastern Conference.

“I don’t know if you can say you have momentum when you’re down 3-2 going into their place,” said Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy. “That’s hard to say. I still look at it like we’re climbing a huge mountain right here.”

At least they’ve made it look easier over the past two games than they had in the opening three games of the series. The difference for the Magic as of late has been the way they’ve dictated the pace of the game while moving the ball around the floor.

“We’ve played at a much, much higher energy level,” said Van Gundy “And clearly we’ve had a lot more guys play well.”

Along with team-leaders Jameer Nelson (24 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and Dwight Howard (21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks), there were two others that turned in double-digit scoring efforts on Wednesday.

All of a sudden they look a lot like the near-flawless Orlando Magic team from late in the regular season and during the first two rounds of the postseason. Have they found a way to reemerge from the ashes?

“We’ve always outworked and outhustled teams,” said Matt Barnes, who finished with nine points on three 3-pointers and seven rebounds. “When we play with energy and effort we’re a hard team to beat.”

Maybe all that was needed was for them to be reminded of that.

There was clearly a renewed enthusiasm in Game 5 that came by way of winning on the road in Game 4. And the fact that the Magic rebounded the basketball so well Wednesday night helped their cause this time around.

“The biggest thing in the game for us – bigger than anything else tonight – we were great on the boards,” said Van Gundy. “Everybody will look at the three-point shooting and all of that, but probably the biggest thing is that we dominated the glass.”

The Magic shot 52-percent (13-for-25) from long-range, 52-percent from the field (36-for-69) and outrebounded the Celtics 43-26 in the win.

Rashard Lewis, who revealed this week that he’s been fighting an illness throughout the series, finished with 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting and seven rebounds. J.J. Redick, the clear-cut crowd favorite, has earned quality time on the court and seemed to add even more fuel to the Magic’s burning desire to pull out another do-or-die game. He finished with 14 points on just 3-for-6 shooting from the field.

“J.J.’s just a guy I have great trust in because I know how hard he’s going to go at it, I know how hard he’s worked, and I know he’s never going to be afraid of anything,” said Van Gundy.

That attitude has clearly made its way around the locker room over the past few days.

What we were reminded of as Orlando controlled the pace of this game was that when the ball is passed around, the open shots are going down, and the boards are being crashed, that the Magic are a dangerous team to mess with.

“They stole the game in Boston and tonight they just played better than us,” said Celtics coach Doc Rivers afterwards. “The team that’s been the most physical has won the games.”

Which means if the Magic can find a way to play with the same heart and intensity they have for much of the season, then they like their chances to return home for an elimination game on Sunday night.

“The pressures all on them,” said Barnes. “We know we’re going to be in a war on Friday against Boston and we’ll be ready. They’re in trouble if they let us come back here for Game 7.”

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

The award recognizes the top programs in each men’s and women’s divisions among the conference’s nine schools.

The Rollins women retain the Cup for a second straight year and have earned the honor for the fifth time in school history. They earned the maximum nine points in two sports with outright SSC titles in women’s soccer and softball, and were runners-up in women’s basketball and golf. The women’s tennis team took third in the conference.

The Tars totaled 41 points and edged second-place Florida Southern (39.0) by two. Nova Southeastern (37.5), Barry (35.5) and Tampa (34.0) follow the Tars and Mocs in the top-five. The Rollins women also won the Cup after the 1998-99, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2008-09 seasons.

The Rollins men won the trophy with 37 total points behind conference titles by both the soccer and basketball teams. The baseball team finished runner-up this year while the tennis team took third and the golf squad came in fifth.

Florida Southern was second on the men’s side with 34 points. Barry (30.5) finished third with Lynn and Nova Southeastern (27.0) tying for fourth. The Rollins men also earned the cup following the 2002-03 and 2003-04 sports seasons.

First presented following the 1986-87 academic year, the Mayor’s Cup Trophy has traditionally been sponsored by the mayors of the nine communities in which SSC member institutions are located. Points are awarded for each team’s final standing, and depend on how many conference schools sponsor that sport.

In addition to the Tars’ four conference championships in 2009-10, nine sports competed in NCAA postseason play.

Women’s golf finished as runners-up at the NCAA Division II National Championship while the men’s basketball team earned a spot in the championship game of the NCAA South Region Tournament. Women’s soccer advanced into third round of the NCAA tournament and the baseball team finished third in the NCAA South Regional. Softball, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, men’s golf and men’s soccer also earned postseason bids.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –