With an 8:05 p.m. tip, Georgia’s basketball game against Arkansas Wednesday night was one of those slam-it-in-for-print kind of games. So following is a recast of my game story on the Bulldogs’ impressive 81-59 win updated with quotes from players and coaches, some minor tweeks and some addition quotes at the end. ATHENS — Two teams on divergent paths met at Stegeman Coliseum on Wednesday ...

Here is the updated game story from the Hawks’ win over the Pacers, which snapped a three-game losing streak. You can call it the Highlight Factory again. The Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak – all at Philips Arena – with a 97-87 victory over the Pacers Wednesday night. Josh Smith had 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead the much-needed effort for the Hawks (17-9). His one-handed dunk off a Marvi ...

AP RECAP | BOX SCORE | PHOTO GALLERY | HIGHLIGHTS The Hawks did not lead from start to finish in tonight’s 97-87 win at the Highlight Factory. But after falling in an early 1-0 hole against the Pacers they quickly ran off eight straight points and proceeded to turn in one of the bigger wins of the season. Josh Smith had another gaudy stat line with 28 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and three blocked ...

You can call it the Highlight Factory again. The Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak - all at Philips Arena - with a 97-87 victory over the Pacers on Wednesday night. ...

NBA commissioner David Stern said Wednesday that Hawks ownership has committed to pay the luxury tax should they exceed the league’s salary cap. ...

Beat reporter Bowman answers queries from Braves fans in the latest edition of the Inbox. Leading off: a question about whether the club would shop Jair Jurrjens before or during Spring Training. ...

Former Falcons linebacker Buddy Curry and current kicker Matt Bryant spoke to the Health and Human Services committee of the Georgia legislature in support of the “Georgia Return to Play Act of 2012” on Wednesday at the State Capitol. ...

This could be the year that Hawks forward Josh Smith is officially recognized as ranking among the star players in the NBA. ...

Coach Larry Drew said there will be lineup changes for tonight’s game against the Pacers. Drew said Tuesday he was considering ways, including lineup changes, to get his team to play with more energy. He wants the Hawks to get their ‘mojo’ and ’swagger’ back as they have lost the past three at home. The Hawks have lost three straight, all at home. They haven’t lost four s ...

Lewis Preston on the day he was introduced as KSU coach's. (AJC photo by Jason Getz) When Lewis Preston delivered the first halftime speech of his life, his team trailed 41-8. And what, Preston is asked, did he say to the Kennesaw State Owls that November day? “I said, ‘We’re going to go out here [meaning against Wisconsin in Madison] and continue to play, and we’re going to get ...

The Georgia-Auburn rivalry includes this battle: Uga vs. Robert Baker. (Montgomery Advertiser) There is a chance that SEC conference expansion will claim one significant victim: The Georgia-Auburn series. Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said Wednesday that SEC athletic directors will meet near the end of the month to discuss future football scheduling. With the conference’s addition of Texas A ...

The Braves hope to move their high Class-A affiliate from Lynchburg, Va., to Wilmington, N.C.,  fulfilling an organizational aim of owning all Braves minor league teams and operating them in top-notch facilities. The Wilmington City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to begin negotiations with the Braves and Mandalay Baseball Properties, and to explore the level of public support and costs and funding option ...

San Diego Chargers offensive lineman Marcus McNeill (73) is loaded onto a cart after being injured in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders in an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy) Should the Falcons pursue left tackle Marcus McNeill if he is waived by the San Diego Chargers? Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported the McNeill, who played at C ...

UGA defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has been named one of the nation's Top 25 recruiters. (University of Georgia) The gray skies outside have reflected too much of how my winter has gone so far, so it’s time for a few mood brighteners, of the red and black variety. Some might choose to be focusing on those potential signees that Georgia didn’t manage to flip last week, but the Dogs still ...

Just because the Falcons don’t have a first-round pick this year, they should be no shortage of quality players for the Falcons to consider when they make their first selection of the 2012 NFL Draft in the second round come April. History at Atlanta’s No. 55 slot says a player, even potential star, can be there for the taking when the Falcons go on the clock.  The Falcons find themselves heading ...