SAN DIEGO – Six former Aztecs have advanced to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
In the NFL, New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (2018-21) started and played 59 snaps on offense in New York's 31-24 win over Kevin O'Connell's (2004-07) Minnesota squad. Bellinger caught both of his targets, an 8-yard reception to pick up a first down at the end of the first half and a third quarter 9-yard touchdown to extend the lead to double digits. On the ensuing drive, the Vikings scored a touchdown of their own, which would have put them in front if it wasn't for Bellinger's score. Rookie defensive back Trenton Thompson (2016, 18-21) is on the practice squad and did not appear for the Giants in the game. Next up for New York is a game in Philadelphia on Saturday night.
San Francisco offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (2013-16) played 33 offensive snaps in a 41-23 win over Seattle. Offensive lineman Keith Ismael (2017-19), defensive lineman Alex Barrett (2013-16) and safety Tayler Hawkins (2017-21) are on the practice squad for San Francisco and did not play. Seattle running back Rashaad Penny (2014-17) is on injured reserve and also did not play. The 49ers host Dallas on Sunday afternoon.
In the NBA, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2010-11) started all three games. On the week, he averaged 29.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. In Sunday's win against Dallas, Leonard totaled 33 points and nine rebounds, both season highs. He also reached the 30-point plateau for the third time this season in a Sunday win over Houston. This season, he is averaging 19.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks. Forward Jalen McDaniels (2017-19) started each of four games for the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.0 steal and 0.3 blocks. He set a season high on Monday night with 26 points against Boston. His season numbers are 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. Guard Malachi Flynn (2020) appeared in all four games for Toronto. Last week, Flynn tallied 11 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a steal. On the season, he is averaging 5.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.1 blocks.
On the PGA Tour, J.J. Spaun (2009-12) tied for 12th in the Sony Open in Hawaii at 12-under-par while Scott Piercy (1999-2001) did not make the cut. Xander Schauffele (2013-15) is ranked sixth in the world while Spaun ranks 61st in the world. This weekend, Schauffele and Piercy will compete in the American Express in La Quinta, California.